Hump Day err Wednesday is here once more. That means College Basketball online betting sites are primed for action. There are plenty of college basketball games on this night. At Online Sports Betting, we preview a matchup that takes place in the Garden State. So, we look at the Merrimack vs Rutgers bets featuring the 24th-ranked Scarlet Knights. The game takes place from one of the best named arenas in the nation.
- WHAT: Merrimack Warriors versus Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- WHEN: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, 8:00 pm ET on Peacock
- WHERE: Jersey Mike's Arena, Piscataway, New Jersey
- WHY: Because Rutgers has some potential this year.
Yes, bettors see some spots to make some wagers. So, those Merrimack vs Rutgers bets could feature some new wrinkles. Now, Merrimack has lost two of their first three games while Rutgers is undefeated. Can Rutgers win and cover? Our numbers for this Wednesday night tilt come thanks to Bovada Online Sportsbook Review.
Merrimack vs Rutgers By The Numbers
Merrimack vs Rutgers Bets Like The Scarlet Knights
Merrimack vs Rutgers bets like the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers have three wins on the season and showed some flashes of potential even last year. However, losing seven of their final eight games put a real damper on what could have been a much better season. Pundits know 15-17 will be far from accepatable this year. The Scarlet Knights had a Top 25 caliber defense that faltered late in the campaign. That cannot happen again this year.
Honestly, this is why the game against Merrimack is more important than it appears. The Warriors come off a 21-12 season where it looked like they might make the tournament. Instead, Wagner defeated them in the NEC Conference Tournament. If Rutgers truly believes it can create some havoc in the Big 10 and beyond, this is a game the Scarlet Knights need to win more than convincingly.
Let us further preview this Wednesday night game. Can Merrimack find a way to stay with Rutgers or will Rutgers flex its defensive muscle with a little offensive punch?
Rutgers Is Primed To Make A Statement
Merrimack vs Rutgers bets know that Rutgers is primed to make a statement. Again, these two teams are different than last year in some significant ways. For one, the Scarlet Knights appear like they are upping the tempo considerably. However, their strength-of-schedule is among the Bottom 50 in college basketball. Merrimack went up against VCU and Princeton. Needless to say, neither went well. However, the Warriors did stay close to the Tigers before falling by 11 late.
Again, this game is more about the Freshmen. Dylan Harper and Airious Bailey. The guard duo are two of the top three RSCI players in the nation. Yes, the Scarlet Knights scored a real gem twice here. Now, the question is are these players ready to take Rutgers up a level or two from where they were last season. When it comes to the young guards, Jordan Derkack may be as much of a mentor as Coach Steve Pikiell.
Though the +5000 number is not great to win a championship, that is respectable for a team around the edge of the Top 25. Having swing guards who can essentially play anywhere from a 1 to a 3 is huge. That creates matchup nightmares that Merrimack is likely not prepared for. Rutgers beefed up at the 4 and 5 as well with Lathan Sommerville. He is generously listed at 275 and nearly 6-foot 11. Trios like this may surprise.
Alas, Merrmack's tallest players are 6-foot-7 and no one is much above 215 pounds. Rutgers offers too many problems from a pace standpoint. It is the big difference from last year. The Scarlet Knights have a way to go and may be a year away. However, they have enough firepower to cover against Merrimack on Wednesday night.
Merrimack vs Rutgers Under Or Over?
So, what about Merrimack vs Rutgers bets heading to the under or over? The first month of the college basketball season produces some odds results. Even Rutgers barely got past Saint Peter's by 10 points. Again, we emphasize how much fun and different this Rutgers team is. The game total for this contest is reasonable at 133.5 (-102 for the over via BetOnline). Now, guard play is huge in a matchup like this.
The Warriors feature Adam Clark. Clark is going to get his points. He is small, fast and a mere 155 pounds. Rutgers carries some speed themselves and can counter this better than in 2022 and 2023. The concern is the lack of depth from Merrimack. When it comes to game totals after all, both teams have to score enough points. The thought process is Rutgers may get into the 70's. However, Merrimack may struggle to reach 60.
Therefore, as tempting as it is to push up an Over on Wednesday night, it is far easier to slide back to the under. It is a safer play to go back to 132.5 (-108 for the under). Expect Rutgers to potentially win by 20+ but hold Merrimack around 50-55 points.
What About Other Games?
Merrimack vs Rutgers bets ask what about other Wednesday games? Again, Alabama entertains Illinois on Wednesday night after losing to Purdue last Friday night. Expect them to rebound. Gonzaga figures to blow away Long Beach State with the Over projected to connect. It may appear to be a lull in the schedule but there are games to keep an eye on.
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