Rutgers (12-7, 8-7) vs. No. 3 Michigan (14-1, 9-1)
Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: No. 3 Michigan looks to give Rutgers its sixth straight loss against ranked opponents. Rutgers’ last win vs a ranked opponent came against the then-No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini 91-88 on Dec. 20, 2020. Michigan remains No. 3 in the latest AP rankings following a win over Wisconsin last week.
STEPPING UP: Ron Harper Jr. is averaging 16.2 points and 6.1 rebounds to lead the way for the Scarlet Knights. Jacob Young is also a primary contributor, producing 14.1 points per game. The Wolverines have been led by Hunter Dickinson, who is averaging 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.ROBUST RON: Harper has connected on 32.7 percent of the 101 3-pointers he’s attempted. He’s also made 70.7 percent of his free throws this season.
PERFECT WHEN: Rutgers is a perfect 7-0 when the team makes at least 69.4 percent of its free throws. The Scarlet Knights are 5-7 when they shoot below 69.4 percent from the line.
THREAT FROM DEEP: Rutgers’s Young has attempted 54 3-pointers and connected on 38.9 percent of them, and is 9 for 21 over the last five games.
STINGY DEFENSE: Michigan has held opposing teams to 37.5 percent shooting from the field this year, the second-lowest percentage among all Division I teams.
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