- Matchup: Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Event Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
- Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, NJ
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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On Friday, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils (2-2) head to Jersey Mike’s Arena to face off against the undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0).
In their recent outing, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils suffered a defeat against UMass, finishing 84-77. The Blue Devils managed a shooting percentage of 46.3% (25 of 54) and connected on 6 of 15 from beyond the arc. Free throw performance stood at 67.7%, converting 21 out of 31 attempts. The team secured 25 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards, and compiled 12 assists while forcing 17 turnovers and recording 8 steals. Defensively, Central Connecticut allowed UMass to shoot 46.3% from the field, with UMass finishing with 22 assists and 4 steals. They collected a total of 39 rebounds (13 offensive), missing out on blocks, and shot 48.0% from the free-throw line, making 12 out of 25 attempts. From three-point territory, UMass converted 10 of 26. The Blue Devils committed 19 fouls compared to UMass’s 22.
Darin Smith Jr. stood out during the game, scoring 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting, alongside 1 rebound in 27 minutes on the court, showcasing a field goal percentage of 54.5% and 1 assist.
Entering this matchup, Central Connecticut holds a 2-2 record this season, averaging 75.8 points per game (238th in Division 1) while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their three-point shooting stands at 33.0% (30 of 91) with a free throw percentage of 68.2%. The team averages 41.5 rebounds per game and has 64 assists this season, positioning them at 245th in college basketball for assists. They turnover the ball 11 times per game and commit 12.8 fouls on average.
Defensively, the Blue Devils force an average of 11.3 turnovers per game and draw 15.0 personal fouls. They rank 124th in college basketball by allowing 55 assists this season and have a field goal percentage defense of 38.4% (103 of 268). They also average 36.5 rebounds per game, give up 29.1% from three-point range, and rank 86th in points allowed per game with an average of 67.3.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights secured an 80-71 victory in their last game against American. They permitted American to grab a total of 21 rebounds (5 offensive). Rutgers shot 37.5% from three-point range, connecting on 12 of 32 attempts, and excelled from the free-throw line, making 11 of 14 (78.6%). American finished 35.3% from the field, managing 24 of 68 attempts. Rutgers shot 47.2% overall, hitting 25 out of 53 field goals and 40.0% from three-point range on 6 of 15 attempts. With 30 free throw attempts due to American’s 21 fouls, they converted 24 times for an 80.0% success rate. The Scarlet Knights grabbed 36 total rebounds, with 30 being defensive.
Dylan Grant was pivotal for Rutgers, scoring 22 points on 7 of 12 shooting (58.3%) alongside 11 rebounds in 30 minutes of play, though he did not record an assist.
Currently, the Scarlet Knights boast a 4-0 record this season. On offense, they shoot 45.6% from the field (ranked 187th nationally), totaling 317 points (79.3 points per game) and averaging 42.8 rebounds. They assist 13.3 times per game (ranked 249th) and turn the ball over 10.5 times each game, also committing an average of 16.3 fouls. They complete 68.9% of their free throws.
Defensively, Rutgers ranks 47th nationwide in points per game allowed (64.0). They create 12.3 turnovers each game and allow opponents to shoot 37.5% from the field (41st overall). They’re giving up 33.0% on three-point attempts (32 of 97) and allowing 72.1% from the free-throw line. Additionally, they permit 10.8 assists and 31.8 overall rebounds per game, ranking 61st and 76th in these categories respectively.
Who will cover the spread in this NCAA matchup?
Prediction: Select Rutgers
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