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11/20 Big Ten Preview: Indiana Hopes To Remain Unbeaten

Preview Wednesday night’s action for the Big Ten.

NCAA Basketball: Western Illinois at Indiana Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten figures to have a relatively quiet night on Wednesday, but three teams are in action, including a Rutgers squad trying to get back on track. Indiana is also looking to remain undefeated on the year.

So, let’s take a look at what’s on the slate tonight.

Game of the Day:

-Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

  • Time/TV: 7:00PM ET (BTN+)
  • KenPom Spread: Rutgers (-16)

Despite starting the season with high hopes and three wins at home, Rutgers had its first test of the season over the weekend and fell in a close game against St. Bonaventure on a neutral court. The loss itself wasn’t terrible, but it certainly let a lot of the air out of Rutgers’ balloon this season. Many are wondering whether the Scarlet Knights will be able to figure things out and get back on track in the near future.

The first step in that challenge will be on Wednesday when Rutgers hosts Stephen F. Austin at home. Now, let’s be clear. This isn’t the Stephen F. Austin of a few years ago. The Lumberjacks are undefeated on the season so far, but only ranked 266th on KenPom. Stephen F. Austin is also coming off an underwhelming 14-16 season.

Kevon Harris will be the player to watch for Stephen F. Austin. If Rutgers can slow him down, it should have a decent shot at coming out with a win. The Scarlet Knights will be looking for an improved defensive performance after allowing 1.25 points per possession on Saturday.

  • Pick Against the Spread: Stephen F. Austin

The Rest:

-Princeton Tigers are Indiana Hoosiers

  • Time/TV: 7:00PM ET (BTN)
  • KenPom Spread: Indiana (-18)

Don’t look now, but Indiana is quietly starting to look like one of the better teams in the Big Ten. Yes, Indiana hasn’t played anybody of consequence yet, but the Hoosiers are 4-0 on the season and have already won every game by at least 11 points, including Saturday’s win over Troy, which came by 38 points.

And though Princeton isn’t great, it figures to be the best team Indiana has faced so far this season. As such, it should be an interesting one. Keep an eye on the battle in the frontcourt between Richmond Aririguzoh and Trayce Jackson-Davis. It should be a good one.

  • Pick Against the Spread: Indiana

-The Citadel Bulldogs at Illinois Fighting Illini

  • Time/TV: 9:00PM ET (BTN)
  • KenPom Spread: Illinois (-24)

Generally speaking, there isn’t a lot to get excited about for this one. Illinois projects as a team in serious contention for a postseason bid while The Citadel looks like one of the worst teams in college basketball. If the Illini can avoid committing too many turnovers, this should be a pretty easy win.

  • Pick Against the Spread: Illinois

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Season Record vs KenPom’s Spread: 8-9-2