Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions January 16th 2025

Nebraska Chases Program Record at Home Against Rutgers

Nebraska will look to make history on Thursday night when it hosts Rutgers in Lincoln, Neb., with a chance to set a program record for consecutive home wins.

The Cornhuskers (12-4, 2-3 Big Ten) are riding a 20-game home winning streak and will attempt to extend that mark to 21 against the Scarlet Knights (9-8, 2-4). Nebraska is undefeated at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season (8-0) and will be eager to get back on track after two tough road losses to Iowa (97-87 in overtime) and Purdue (104-68).

Make Confident NCAAB Picks Today! Our NCAAB basketball expert picks are ready to guide you.

Huskers Focused on Bouncing Back

Despite the lopsided loss to Purdue, Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg remains confident in his team’s ability to respond.

“You don’t want to be deflated and feel sorry for yourself,” Hoiberg said. “Our job right now is to get these guys over it, learn from it, grow from it and find a way to fight all the way through for 40 minutes regardless of whatever the circumstances are.”

Brice Williams has been Nebraska’s go-to scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten. However, Thursday’s game will feature two players ranked ahead of him—both from Rutgers.

Rutgers Hoping for Road Breakthrough

The Scarlet Knights have struggled away from home, going just 1-6 in road or neutral-site games this season. However, they enter Thursday’s matchup with some momentum after a 75-68 win over UCLA on Monday.

Need Help Predicting Outcomes?

Get Proven NCAAB Strategies Now!

Join Now!

A big reason for that win was the return of Dylan Harper, who had been battling the flu for the previous two weeks. Harper, the Big Ten’s leading scorer at 20.0 points per game, gives Rutgers a dynamic offensive presence alongside Ace Bailey (19.0 ppg), who ranks third in the conference in scoring.

“He gives us a different dimension,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said of Harper. “He can rebound too. He can switch things defensively because he’s got great size. He’s a hard guy to guard. His best days are ahead of him.”

Key Matchup and Outlook

Nebraska’s ability to protect home court has been its biggest strength this season, but it will need to tighten up defensively after surrendering 104 points to Purdue. Rutgers, meanwhile, has to prove it can win away from home. If Harper and Bailey get rolling, the Scarlet Knights could pose a real threat to Nebraska’s historic night.

Tip-off at Pinnacle Bank Arena promises to be a high-energy affair, with the Huskers eyeing a milestone win and Rutgers seeking its first Big Ten road victory of the season.