Rutgers vs Notre Dame: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | November 26, 2024

Rutgers and Notre Dame meet in Las Vegas to kick off the Players Era Tournament, each looking to rebound from shocking losses to mid-major opponents. The Scarlet Knights fell to Kennesaw State as double-digit favorites, while the Fighting Irish were upset by Elon at home. With both teams eager to bounce back and prove themselves on a neutral court, this matchup promises intensity and urgency from the opening tip.

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Rutgers vs Notre Dame Odds

Can Rutgers bounce back after embarrassing loss to Kennesaw State?

Rutgers vs Notre Dame odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread:

Rutgers: -2 (-115)

Notre Dame: +2 (-105)

Total:

Over: 146 (-110)

Under: 146 (-110)

Moneyline:

Rutgers: -135

Notre Dame: +115

Rutgers vs Notre Dame Prediction

Heading to the Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas, where Rutgers and Notre Dame square off to open the action. Both teams enter reeling from surprising losses to mid-major opponents. Rutgers dropped a 79-77 decision to Kennesaw State as 11.5-point road favorites on Sunday, while Notre Dame fell 84-77 to Elon as 15-point home favorites on Friday. These stumbles may have been the result of looking ahead to this tournament, making tonight’s game a critical chance for redemption. With neither team truly battle-tested, those losses could serve as valuable reality checks.

Defensively, both squads are strong, with rankings inside the top 100 nationally. Rutgers stands out, sitting within the top 35 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Both teams defend without fouling and are stout around the rim, ranking among the top 70 in 2-point defense.

Offensively, the numbers paint a positive picture, but context is key. Neither team has faced stiff competition, with just two combined opponents ranked in the top 150. Their offensive metrics are inflated by matchups against weaker teams, including six ranked in the 200s and two in the 300s. Tonight marks the first real test for both offenses.

Tempo could be a pivotal factor in this matchup. Rutgers favors a quicker pace, ranking 124th nationally, while Notre Dame prefers a more methodical style, sitting at 316th, according to Haslametrics. The neutral court setting will challenge both teams to impose their preferred tempo.

With both teams adjusting to an unfamiliar venue, aiming to bounce back from disappointing losses, and facing the pressure of an early-season tournament, this game is likely to turn into a defensive grind. Expect a low-scoring, intensity-driven contest, with pace playing a key role in determining the outcome.