After ending their seven-game losing streak with a victory over Maryland, Rutgers basketball aims for a second consecutive win this Wednesday as they journey to Happy Valley to face Penn State. The Nittany Lions, having recently suffered a defeat to Oregon during the latter part of their west coast trip, will have just four days to return and prepare for the Scarlet Knights.
Both Rutgers and Penn State are currently regarded as among the weakest teams in the conference. The Nittany Lions occupy the bottom spot in the conference standings, holding an overall record of 11-15 and a conference record of 2-13. The Knights are positioned fifth from the bottom in the conference, with a 10-15 overall record and a 3-11 conference standing. Additionally, Rutgers has yet to achieve an away victory this season, with all their wins occurring either at home or at a neutral venue.
Guard Freddie Dilione V leads the Nittany Lions in points per game with 14.4, closely followed by guard Kayden Mingo at 13.9 points per game. Forward Ivan Juric is the team’s top rebounder, averaging 5.2 per game, while Mingo also leads in assists with 4.2. Mingo is the key opposing player to watch in this matchup, given he ranks second in points per game, is tied for third in rebounds, and leads the team in assists. In their last game against Oregon, Mingo contributed 24 points in a losing effort.
Collectively, Penn State averages 75.4 points, 29.8 rebounds, and 12.6 assists per game, while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 75.2 percent from the free-throw line, and 32.6 percent from three-point range. In contrast, Rutgers posts averages of 70 points, 34.5 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 41 percent from the field, 72.7 percent from the line, and 32 percent from beyond the arc.
Rutgers will need to establish offensive consistency to maximize their chances of winning this game. The Knights’ offense notably struggled in the first half against Maryland, missing several opportunities to create an early lead and allowing the Terrapins to remain competitive. This offensive need is further emphasized by Penn State’s defensive vulnerabilities, as they have allowed 94 or more points against various mid-tier teams such as Northwestern, Indiana, and Maryland, indicating that a potent offensive display is the most effective path to victory.
The Rutgers vs. Penn State game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in State College. Live broadcast coverage for the game will be available on the Big Ten Network.