Rutgers and Penn State Clash in Big Ten Matchup
After snapping a seven-game losing streak with a win over Maryland, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (10-15, 3-11 Big Ten) will look to secure their second consecutive victory as they travel to face the Penn State Nittany Lions (11-15, 2-13 Big Ten) on Wednesday evening.
Penn State is coming off a loss to Oregon during their recent West Coast trip and will have only four days to prepare for Rutgers at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. Both teams currently find themselves near the bottom of the Big Ten standings, making this contest a crucial opportunity to climb the ranks.
The Nittany Lions currently hold the last-place position in the conference, while Rutgers is fifth to last. Rutgers has struggled to find success away from home, with all of their wins coming at either the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, N.J., or at neutral site locations.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for Penn State is guard Freddie Dilione V, averaging 14.4 points per game. Close behind is guard Kayden Mingo, contributing 13.9 points per game. Mingo also leads the team in assists with 4.2 per game and is tied for third in rebounds with 5.2 per game. He is a key player to watch, having recently scored 24 points in a losing effort against Oregon.
For Rutgers, consistent offensive production will be vital. The Scarlet Knights experienced offensive struggles in the first half against Maryland, allowing the Terrapins to remain competitive.
Team Statistics
Penn State is averaging 75.4 points per game, 29.8 rebounds and 12.6 assists, while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 75.2 percent from the free-throw line, and 32.6 percent from three-point range. Rutgers, in comparison, averages 70 points per game, 34.5 rebounds, and 11.1 assists, shooting 41 percent from the field, 72.7 percent from the line, and 32 percent from beyond the arc.
The Nittany Lions’ defense has shown vulnerabilities, having conceded 94 or more points against teams like Northwestern, Indiana, and Maryland. This suggests that a strong offensive performance could be the key to victory for Rutgers.
Game Details
The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania. Live coverage will be available on the Big Ten Network.
According to predictive models, such as those from Dimers.com, Penn State is favored to win the game. The models project a close contest, with a final score in the mid-70s and a roughly 64% win probability for the Nittany Lions.
