Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Penn State Nittany Lions Picks and Predictions December 10th 2024

Penn State Aims to Build Momentum, Rutgers Seeks Turnaround

After a statement victory over a Top 10 opponent, Penn State looks to carry its momentum into its first true road test of the season when it visits Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., on Tuesday night.

The game features an intriguing showdown between two “Aces” – Ace Baldwin Jr. of the Nittany Lions and Ace Bailey of the Scarlet Knights – who are both pivotal to their respective teams’ success.

Penn State (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten)

The Nittany Lions made waves last week with an 81-70 upset win over then-No. 8 Purdue, Penn State’s first win over a Top 10 team since 2019.

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Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State’s leader on offense, posted 17 points and six assists in the victory. Baldwin has been instrumental all season, averaging 15.1 points and 8.1 assists per game – ranking fourth in the nation in assists as of Monday.

Complementing Baldwin is Freddie Dilione V, who scored 14 points against Purdue and echoed the team’s “underdog mentality.”

“A win like that’s a statement win,” Dilione said. “We just have to come into every game and punch everybody in the mouth.”

The Nittany Lions also demonstrated defensive prowess, holding Purdue to 70 points while building a lead as large as 27.

With confidence running high, head coach Mike Rhoades emphasized consistency and focus as Penn State approaches its Big Ten schedule.

Rutgers (5-4, 0-1 Big Ten)

Rutgers, on the other hand, is searching for answers. The Scarlet Knights have dropped four of their last five games, including an 80-66 loss to Ohio State in their conference opener.

Freshman standouts Dylan Harper (23.1 points per game) and Ace Bailey (17.9 points per game) continue to shine, combining for 30 points against the Buckeyes. However, Rutgers’ defense – a hallmark of the program under coach Steve Pikiell – has been inconsistent, allowing 80 points in two of its last three games.

“We got to get some more consistency out of a lot of things, especially our defense,” Pikiell said. “Can’t give up 80 points on the road and expect to win in this league.”

Playing at home could provide a much-needed spark for the Scarlet Knights, who are set to play seven of their next eight games in New Jersey. However, Rutgers must overcome offensive struggles that plagued them in last season’s meeting with Penn State. In a 61-46 loss, the Scarlet Knights shot just 1-of-17 from 3-point range and 34 percent overall.

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“Even though we lose, we’re still going to find a way,” said Harper, emphasizing resilience amid the team’s early struggles.

Key Matchup: Ace Baldwin Jr. vs. Ace Bailey

• Baldwin Jr.’s playmaking ability (8.1 assists per game) will be crucial against Rutgers’ defense.
• Bailey’s ability to score inside and out (17.9 ppg) will test Penn State’s defensive schemes.

Both players are catalysts for their teams, and their head-to-head battle could determine the game’s outcome.

What’s at Stake

• Penn State: Avoiding a letdown after the high of upsetting Purdue.
• Rutgers: Snapping a skid and protecting home court during a critical stretch.

With contrasting narratives – Penn State riding high and Rutgers seeking redemption – this Big Ten clash is shaping up as a pivotal early-season matchup.