Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Michigan Wolverines Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Michigan’s Response to Adversity

Michigan (15-5, 7-2 Big Ten) is back on track after a rough stretch that included a 91-64 blowout loss to Purdue. However, a bounce-back win over Penn State (76-72) has kept the Wolverines in the mix for a top Big Ten finish.

Head coach Dusty May simplified the team’s approach following the Purdue loss, focusing on two key areas:

• Better passing (reducing turnovers from 22 vs. Purdue to 9 vs. Penn State)
• Improved defensive intensity

“We literally just locked in and said, ‘We’re going to get better at these two things,’” May said.

Key Players for Michigan

• Tre Donaldson (Guard) – 21 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals vs. Penn State.
• Vlad Goldin (Center) – 15.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG; Michigan’s most consistent scoring option.
• Danny Wolf (Forward) – 12.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG; a force on the boards.

Michigan’s twin 7-footers (Goldin and Wolf) could pose a major problem for Rutgers, especially with the Scarlet Knights missing their top center, Emmanuel Ogbole (knee injury).

Rutgers’ Star Power: Can Ace Bailey Carry the Load?

Rutgers (11-10, 4-6 Big Ten) is coming off an impressive 79-72 win at Northwestern, led by five-star freshman Ace Bailey’s 37-point explosion.

Bailey shot 13-of-20 from the field and 5-of-8 from three in a dominant performance, proving why he’s considered one of the most talented young players in the country.

Key Players for Rutgers

• Ace Bailey (Forward) – 20.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.4 BPG; has three 30+ point games in January.
• Dylan Harper (Guard) – 18.6 PPG, 4.1 APG; missed the Northwestern game with an ankle injury.

Bailey has been spectacular, but Rutgers will need Harper back at full strength to have the best chance against Michigan’s size and defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

Michigan’s Twin Towers (Goldin & Wolf) vs. Rutgers’ Interior Defense

• With Ogbole out, Rutgers is thin in the post.
• Goldin and Wolf could dominate the paint and control the rebounding battle.

Ace Bailey vs. Michigan’s Defense

• Bailey is capable of single-handedly carrying Rutgers, but Michigan will likely throw multiple defenders at him to slow him down.

Michigan’s Ball Security vs. Rutgers’ Pressure Defense

• Michigan struggled with turnovers against Purdue but improved significantly vs. Penn State.
• If Rutgers forces turnovers, they can stay competitive.

Prediction: Can Rutgers Defend Its Home Court?

Michigan’s size, rebounding, and defensive adjustments make them a tough matchup for Rutgers, especially if Dylan Harper is limited or out.

However, Ace Bailey’s offensive explosion is a wildcard. If he gets hot again, Rutgers could keep it close at home.

Final Score Prediction:

Michigan 74, Rutgers 68

Expect Tre Donaldson and Michigan’s frontcourt to be the difference, while Rutgers fights hard but comes up just short.

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Final Thoughts

• Can Michigan’s defense slow down Ace Bailey?
• Will Rutgers overcome its lack of depth in the post?
• Can Dylan Harper return and provide Rutgers with much-needed playmaking?

Michigan is trending upward, but Rutgers has the home-court advantage. This Big Ten battle should be an exciting one.