| MATCHUP | Penn State Nittany Lions | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-18 | 12-18 |
| Where | Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, NJ | |
| When | Sunday, March 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | BTN | |
The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet Sunday in college basketball action from the RAC in Piscataway. Here’s a Penn State vs Rutgers prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Penn State vs Rutgers pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview
Penn State kicked off their year on a nice 8-1 run through their first nine games, but then won just once (over NC Central) from December 2 to February 1. After wins over Minnesota and Washington in the next four, The Lions lost to Oregon, Rutgers, Nebraska and Ohio State (with a win over Iowa) during a 1-4 stretch. That gives the team a 12-18 overall record this year.
On Wednesday versus Ohio State, the Nittany Lions came back out onto the floor after halftime with a 45-21 deficit. Penn State didn’t end up getting any closer than that after a 49-41 second half and eventually limped to the defeat 94-62 in the end. Both Freddie Dilione (two steals) and Ivan Juric (one rebound) each had a team-high 15 points during the losing effort for Penn State.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
Over on the Rutgers side, they were last above the .500 mark back on January 11 at 9-8 overall. The Knights hit a seven-game losing streak after that, then beat Maryland and Penn State in the next pair. It’s been a 1-3 run since then with losses to Minnesota, Washington and Michigan State (among a win over Maryland) for a 12-18 overall record in the books this year.
In the Michigan State game back on Thursday the Knights were within one point 31-30 in the locker room. Rutgers came back out onto the floor for the second half and hit a 60-57 deficit though, falling in a 91-87 result during a road defeat. Tariq Francis put up 25 points with five assists and three steals while Lino Mark added 14 points with four assists along the way.
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends: March 8, 2026
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- Penn State has lost eight of its last nine road games against Conference opponents.
- Rutgers has won four of its last five home games against Penn State.
- Rutgers has won the first half in three of its last four home games against Penn State.
Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win
- Rutgers has lost four of its last five home games.
Penn State vs Rutgers Prediction
I’ll stay with Rutgers. The Knights didn’t play too badly versus a good Michigan State team in a road loss this past week, hitting 47.7 percent from the field and 55.6 percent (10-of-18) from 3-point range. Rutgers did get out-rebounded 35-21 though, and outscored in the paint 46-34. That gives the Knights a 1-3 run in the last four games, but heave scored 69 or more points in three straight.
These teams last saw each other back on February 18 in an 85-72 road win for the Knights. In that one Rutgers shot 56.6 percent from the field with 87 percent (20-of-23) from the line and 28 points off 15 Penn State turnovers. Rutgers can’t rely on so many mistakes in this home rematch though, so they’ll have to be a little sharper.