Monmouth, currently ranked 294th in the NCAA Division I, will face off against #24 Rutgers, a team ranked 65th, on Friday night. Monmouth has had a tough start to the season, losing their first three games, while Rutgers has shown promise with two consecutive wins. It’s worth noting that Monmouth emerged victorious in their previous encounter, securing a six-point lead on the road in 2015.
Monmouth Hawks
Abdi Bashir Jr., a standout player for Monmouth, leads the team with an impressive 18.3 PPG, followed closely by Madison Durr with 14.3, 4.0 RPG, and 3.7 APG. Their best frontcourt player, Cornelius Robinson III, is a force to be reckoned with, averaging 6.3 PPG and 8.6 RPG. Despite their team rankings, these individual achievements are certainly worth admiring.
The Scarlet Knights
Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, the nation’s 3rd-ranked recruit, has scored 22.0 PPG and 4.5 RPG in his first two games. Freshman Lathan Sommerville averages 12.5 PPG and 6.0 RPG at 6’10. So far this year, 6’6 guard Jordan Derkack has scored 8.5 PPG. Rutgers ranks 29th in defensive efficiency and 198th in pace.
Prediction
Given the clubs’ numbers and previous performances, we’re anticipating an exhilarating, high-scoring contest. The over/under for this game is set at 141.5 points, making it a thrilling prospect for basketball fans and bettors alike.