Rutgers vs Penn State Prediction 2/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Rutgers vs Penn State prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 18th at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 10-15 (3-11) this season after they defeated Maryland by a score of 68-57 in their last game. Rutgers was tied at 27 at halftime, but they scored 41 points in the second half for the win. The Scarlet Knights shot 42% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Tariq Francis led Rutgers with 21 points and four assists, while Harun Zrno added 13 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Rutgers lost to Nebraska by a score of 80-68 and UCLA by a score of 98-66. The Scarlet Knights have scored 70.0 points per game with 34.5 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.6 points against per game this season. Tariq Francis is averaging 16.6 points and 2.5 assists per game, while Dylan Grant is averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is shooting 41.0% from the field, 72.7% on free throws, and 32.0% on three pointers this season. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 11-15 (2-13) this year after they lost to Oregon by a score of 83-72 in their last game. Penn State trailed 38-32 at halftime and they allowed 45 points in the second half in the loss. The Nittany Lions shot 42% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Kayden Mingo led Penn State with 24 points and two assists, while Josh Reed added 13 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Penn State defeated Washington by a score of 63-60, but lost to USC by a score of 77-75 before that. The Nittany Lions have scored 75.4 points per game with 29.8 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 79.0 points against per game this season. Freddie Dilione V is averaging 14.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while Kayden Mingo is averaging 13.9 points and 4.2 assists per game for the Nittany Lions. Penn State is shooting 46.6% from the field, 75.2% on free throws, and 32.6% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win

• Rutgers has lost each of its last eight road games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Penn State has won each of its last four night games against Rutgers following a road loss.
• Penn State has won the first half in each of its last five home games against Rutgers.

Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win

• Penn State has lost nine of its last 10 night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Penn State’s last nine games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.
• Twelve of Rutgers’ last 15 road games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 151+ points.

Rutgers vs Penn State Prediction 

Rutgers comes into this matchup after picking up a win over Maryland last time out, but they have scored fewer than 70 points in three straight games. The Scarlet Knights are shooting 41% from the field and they have allowed 78+ in four of their last five. Penn State has lost three of their last four games, but they have been pretty competitive in their last five. The Nittany Lions are shooting 47% from the field and they have allowed at least 75 points in four of their last five. I don’t expect much defense in this game, but I think Penn State has the better offense by a wide margin. Take the Nittany Lions here.

David Racey's Pick: Penn State -3.5