Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 21, 2026
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Rutgers travels to Minneapolis to meet Minnesota on Saturday morning at Williams Arena. Rutgers has an 11-15 record and is 14th in the Big Ten standings with a 4-11 conference mark, and the Scarlet Knights are trying to build on back-to-back wins after beating Penn State 85-72 on the road. Minnesota is 12-14 overall and 13th in the Big Ten standings at 5-10 in conference play, and the Golden Gophers are coming off a 61-44 win at Oregon that snapped a two-game slide. Build your bankroll with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 21
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
- TV: BTN
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview
Rutgers averages 70.6 points per game and has relied on a strong defense to stay competitive in conference play. Tariq Francis averages 16.8 points per game as the leading scorer, while Dylan Grant averages 10.7 points per game as the second leading scorer. Emmanuel Ogbole averages 6.6 rebounds per game and also leads the team with 1.2 blocks per game, giving Rutgers a needed interior presence. Jamichael Davis averages 0.9 steals per game to set the tone defensively, and Francis averages 2.7 assists per game to guide the offense.
Injury Report: Baye Fall is out, and Gevonte Ware is questionable.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 70.6
- Points Allowed: 75.5
- Rebounds: 34.2
- Assists: 11.3
- Steals: 6.0
- Blocks: 3.5
- Turnovers: 10.7
Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview
Minnesota averages 70.6 points per game and plays at a controlled pace, especially at home, where defense has performed much better. Cade Tyson averages 19.2 points per game as the leading scorer, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson averages 13.4 points per game as the second leading scorer and also leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per game. Langston Reynolds averages 4.3 assists per game as the leading playmaker, Isaac Asuma averages 1.4 steals per game to pressure the ball, and Crocker-Johnson averages 1.0 blocks per game to protect the rim. Minnesota allows 68.0 points per game, giving it an advantage over Rutgers.
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Injury Report: Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Nehemiah Turner are questionable, while Chansey Willis Jr. and Robert Vaihola are out.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 70.6
- Points Allowed: 68.0
- Rebounds: 32.6
- Assists: 17.3
- Steals: 6.8
- Blocks: 2.7
- Turnovers: 10.8
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction
Both teams have identical scoring averages, but Minnesota’s 68.0 points allowed per game stands out in a matchup that is likely to be played at a slow pace. Rutgers has momentum after two straight wins, but the Golden Gophers defense has been more consistent and has the best scorer on the floor in Tyson. With Minnesota holding opponents below their season average more often than not and getting steady production from Crocker-Johnson inside, the home side will win on Saturday. Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers win, 71-65.
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Best Pick
- Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Under
