Tue Jan 07 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Badgers Look to Bounce Back Against High-Scoring Rutgers Freshmen

**PISCATAWAY, NJ** – The Wisconsin Badgers (11-3, 0-2 Big Ten) will face a tough test on Monday, January 6th, at 6 PM CT when they take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-6, 1-2 Big Ten) at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The game will be broadcast on FS1.

Wisconsin is coming off a dominant 116-85 victory over Iowa, where they set a Big Ten record with 21 three-pointers. Guard John Blackwell led the way with a career-high 32 points. However, the Badgers are 0-2 in Big Ten play and will need to maintain their offensive momentum while improving defensively against a potent Rutgers offense.

Rutgers presents a unique challenge, boasting the nation’s top two freshman scorers, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Bailey recently exploded for 39 points against Indiana, while Harper, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, averages a near triple-double and boasts a 35+ point game earlier this season. The duo’s combined scoring output significantly outpaces the rest of their team. While Rutgers is 7-0 at home this season, their defense struggles, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten, making them vulnerable to Wisconsin’s high-powered offense.

The Badgers hold a slight series advantage (11-6) against Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights have three ranked wins over Wisconsin since joining the Big Ten. This game presents a Quad 2 opportunity for the Badgers, crucial for NCAA tournament seeding.

The matchup will be a clash of styles: Wisconsin’s offensive explosion against Rutgers’ highly touted freshman duo and their overall scoring prowess. The game’s outcome hinges on Wisconsin’s ability to maintain their offensive efficiency while containing Rutgers’ scoring threats and improving on their early-game defensive lapses. The prediction favors Wisconsin by 10 points.

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