Michigan @ Rutgers preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 1, 2020 ) Rutgers 63, Michigan 69

Michigan looks to continue its recent hot streak when it visits Rutgers on Wednesday. The Wolverines, who are 4-1 in the month of February, have won three straight games by an average margin of 19 points, including an 89-65 rout of Indiana on Sunday, to climb above .500 in Big Ten play for the first time since early December. They hope to continue their mastery of the Scarlet Knights by earning their 12th consecutive victory in the rivalry.

“Our group understands what’s at stake and game by game we have to bring the energy and effort,” Michigan coach Juwan Howard told reporters. “I have a very mature group and they understand what it takes to win.” Rutgers is on track to secure their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1991 following a 72-57 win over then No. 23 Illinois on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights, who are a nation’s-best 17-0 at home this season, shot 91.7 percent from the free throw line en route to their third win over a ranked opponent, and they hope to reach 10 wins in conference play for the first time in 29 years by avenging a 69-63 loss to the Wolverines in New York City on Feb. 1. “We’ve come a long way and we’re just thankful,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell told reporters. “We’ve got Michigan coming up and we’re trying to go 1-0 with that one.”

TIME: 7 p.m. ET. TV: Big Ten Network

ABOUT MICHIGAN (16-9, 7-7 Big Ten): Franz Wagner scored 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead five players in double figures as the Wolverines shot a sizzling 57.4 percent from the field. Brandon Johns Jr. continued his upward trajectory as he went 3-for-3 from 3-point range en route to 14 points and five rebounds while Eli Brooks tallied 13 points as Michigan shot a season-high 52.9 percent from beyond the arc. Isaiah Livers had 12 points before rolling his ankle in the second half and will be a game-time decision on Wednesday while Zavier Simpson registered 12 points and 11 assists to become the most winningest player in program history along with Jon Teske (seven rebounds, four blocks against Indiana) with 105 career victories.

ABOUT RUTGERS (18-8, 9-6): Ron Harper Jr. drilled five 3-point attempts en route to a team-high 27 points in the win against Illinois to notch his fourth 20-point game of the season. Geo Baker added 12 points and six assists to move into a tie for 16th place with Phil Sellers (293) on the program’s all-time assist list while Akwasi Yeboah also scored 12 points to finish in double figures for the 85th time in his career. “It was Ron’s night and we got him the basketball and I think that’s what makes us a good team,” Pikiell said. “It has been different players’ nights in different games and we seem to embrace the success that someone else has.”

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Simpson has dished out 10 or more assists in 15 games, which is a Michigan record.

2. Rutgers’ last five games have been decided by six points or less.

3. Yeboah is 16-of-16 from the free throw line over his last three outings.

PREDICTION: Michigan 77, Rutgers 74