Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Columbia Lions Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

Rutgers Seeks Redemption Against Columbia After Ivy League Setback

Rutgers, aiming to rebound from a tough loss to Princeton, hosts Columbia on Monday night in Piscataway, N.J., in its final nonconference game. The Scarlet Knights (7-5) will try to avoid back-to-back losses to Ivy League opponents as they take on a Columbia team that has been one of the Ivy League’s early surprises this season.

Rutgers Looks for a Defensive Reset

Expectations were sky-high for Rutgers this season, fueled by the arrivals of star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. However, the Scarlet Knights have been inconsistent, particularly on the defensive end, where they’ve allowed at least 80 points in six games. Rutgers is 2-4 in those contests, including an 83-82 loss to Princeton on Dec. 21, where they surrendered a last-second basket and struggled to defend the glass.

Princeton outrebounded Rutgers 40-31, including 19 offensive boards that led to 23 second-chance points. Coach Steve Pikiell knows his team must tighten up its defensive and rebounding efforts against Columbia.

“I thought we played hard and did some good things out there, but a lot of second shots,” Pikiell said after the loss to Princeton. “We just gotta be one possession better. We scored plenty of points to win.”

Harper and Bailey, the centerpieces of Rutgers’ roster, delivered strong performances in the loss.

• Dylan Harper scored 22 points and has topped 20 in four straight games, showcasing his offensive dominance.
• Ace Bailey notched a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds but has struggled with shooting consistency, making just 6 of 16 shots against Princeton.

Columbia’s Impressive Start

The Lions (11-1) have been a pleasant surprise this season, standing atop the Ivy League standings. They are riding a three-game winning streak, including an 85-72 victory over Fairfield on Saturday, where they shot a season-best 57.7 percent from the field.

Columbia’s only loss came against Albany on Dec. 4, and they’ve already notched a significant win over a power-conference opponent, beating Villanova 90-80 in their season opener.

Key Player: Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa

Rubio De La Rosa has been a standout performer for the Lions, ranking third in the Ivy League with a 19.6 scoring average.

• Shooting Prowess: Rubio De La Rosa is hitting 53.7 percent of his shots overall and an impressive 46.4 percent from beyond the arc.
• Clutch Performances: He has scored 20 or more points in seven games, including a 27-point effort against Fairfield and 22 points in Columbia’s win over Villanova.

Despite their strong record, Columbia coach Jim Engles is realistic about the challenge ahead:

“Now we got to play top-five draft picks, so that’s bad scheduling,” Engles joked, referencing Rutgers’ NBA-caliber talents in Harper and Bailey.

Keys to the Game

For Rutgers

1. Control the Boards: Rutgers must prevent Columbia from gaining extra possessions, especially after giving up 19 offensive rebounds to Princeton.
2. Tighten Defense: Allowing fewer than 80 points will be crucial, as the Scarlet Knights have struggled in high-scoring games.
3. Harper and Bailey Connection: The dynamic duo must continue to carry the offense while finding ways to involve their teammates.

For Columbia

1. Efficient Shooting: With Rubio De La Rosa leading the way, Columbia must sustain its offensive efficiency against a Rutgers defense looking to bounce back.
2. Limit Turnovers: Controlling the tempo and avoiding mistakes will be key against Rutgers’ athleticism.
3. Defensive Discipline: Slowing down Harper and Bailey will be the Lions’ biggest challenge.

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Game Outlook

This matchup pits a Rutgers team with something to prove against a Columbia squad looking to cement its status as a rising Ivy League power. While Columbia’s strong start makes them a formidable opponent, Rutgers’ superior talent, led by Harper and Bailey, gives the Scarlet Knights the edge to secure a much-needed win before resuming Big Ten play.