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Notre Dame vs. Rutgers Prediction and Odds for NCAA Men's Tournament First Four

By Donnavan Smoot

Notre Dame's Prentiss Hubb.
Notre Dame's Prentiss Hubb. / Michael Hickey/GettyImages
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Rutgers and Notre Dame will kick off the NCAA tournament with a First Four matchup. The Fighting Irish lost in the ACC tournament quarterfinal, but have played well down the stretch. They've won eight of 11 and are coming into this game feeling decent.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights have struggled a little bit as of late, but have put themselves in position to wipe away a tough start to the season and get on a run. Which team will end up in the Round of 64?

Here are the odds for the matchup via WynnBET.

Notre Dame vs. Rutgers Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Rutgers: +1 (-110)
  • Notre Dame: -1 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Rutgers: N/A
  • Notre Dame: N/A

Total:

  • 133 (Over: -110/Under: -110)

Notre Dame vs. Rutgers Analysis

Rutgers

  • Regular Season Record: 18-13
  • ATS Record: 14-16-1
  • Over/Under Record: 16-15
  • SoS: 35th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 106.3
  • Defensive Efficiency: 95.5
  • eFG%: 49.5%
  • FT%: 70.1%
  • 3PT%: 33.6%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: Second Round
  • Odds to win National Championship: +3000 (Field)

Notre Dame

  • Regular Season Record: 22-10
  • ATS Record:17-15
  • Over/Under Record: 18-14
  • SoS: 57th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 112.0
  • Defensive Efficiency: 98.3
  • eFG%: 54.0%
  • FT%: 75.9%
  • 3PT%: 37.7%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to win National Championship: +3000 (Field)

Notre Dame vs. Rutgers Prediction and Pick

Notre Dame is going to move one after this game. When it comes to the First Four games, shot-making comes at a premium. The Fighting Irish have a better offense, shoot better from the free-throw line and are one of the best teams in the country behind the three-point line.

Rutgers has lost four of its last six games. I would like for them to be rolling going into this matchup, so I'm going to fade them on Thursday.

The Fighting Irish also were much better against the spread than the Scarlet Knights, which validates their record a little bit more for me. With a better offense and defense, I think Notre Dame will be the ones in the Round of 64.

Pick: Notre Dame -1

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You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

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