Rutgers men’s basketball is gearing up to resume its conference schedule against Ohio State. The matchup will take place on January 2 at 8 PM in Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Ohio State’s Recent Performance
Ohio State enters the game with a strong record of 9-3. They recently secured a significant 89-63 victory against Grambling State. Throughout their season, the Buckeyes have demonstrated resilience, with losses narrowly spaced at eight points or less. These include an 8-point loss to No. 13 Illinois and a heartbreaking 1-point defeat to No. 12 North Carolina.
Key Players to Watch
- Bruce Thornton: Leading Ohio State with an average of 21 points per game, and 4.2 assists.
- John Mobley Jr: A solid contributor, averaging 14.3 points per game.
- Devin Royal: Matching Mobley with an average of 14 points per game.
- Cristoph Tilly: The top rebounder, averaging 5.9 rebounds per game.
Team Statistics
| Team | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 86.3 | 36.9 |
| Rutgers | 68.7 | 36.4 |
Strategies and Challenges
Ohio State’s strategy primarily revolves around attacking the paint. They scored 38 points in the paint during their contest against North Carolina, compared to North Carolina’s 34. Similarly, they outscored Illinois in the paint by 10 points. This will pose a significant challenge for Rutgers, who has struggled defensively in this area.
Currently, there is low confidence within the Rutgers program. Facing a formidable opponent like Ohio State requires improved scoring efficiency and fewer turnovers. Additionally, a more aggressive defensive strategy will be essential during this matchup.
If Rutgers can maintain competitiveness throughout the game, it could boost their confidence as they delve deeper into Big Ten play.
Fans can catch the game live on Peacock. Don’t miss this critical conference clash between Rutgers and Ohio State!
