Saint Peters vs. Rutgers Prediction and Picks - November 11, 2024

Matchup Overview

The Saint Peters Peacocks and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face off in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup on November 11, 2024. Saint Peters, the reigning MAAC Tournament champions, will look to continue their momentum after a successful 2023-24 season. Rutgers, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from a disappointing campaign and establish themselves as a contender in the Big Ten Conference.

The game is scheduled to take place at the RAC in Piscataway, New Jersey, home of the Scarlet Knights. Both teams will be eager to make a statement in this early-season showdown.

Saint Peters Outlook

The Saint Peters Peacocks enter the 2024-25 season with high expectations after their historic run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 2023. Led by senior guard Doug Edert, the Peacocks return a talented roster that includes several key contributors from last year's squad.

Edert, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, will once again be the focal point of the Saint Peters offense. He averaged 20.1 points and 5.5 assists per game last season and will look to lead the Peacocks to another deep tournament run.

Strengths:

• Strong backcourt play led by Doug Edert
• Experience in high-pressure situations
• Solid team chemistry and camaraderie

Weaknesses:

• Limited size and depth in the frontcourt
• Need to improve consistency from three-point range
• Can be susceptible to turnovers at times

Rutgers Outlook

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will be looking to turn things around in the 2024-25 season after a disappointing 13-19 record last year. Head coach Steve Pikiell has brought in several talented recruits and transfers to bolster the roster.

Junior guard Paul Mulcahy is expected to be the leader of the Scarlet Knights this season. Mulcahy, a talented playmaker and defender, averaged 9.2 points and 5.3 assists per game last year.

Strengths:

• Athletic and versatile roster with depth at multiple positions
• Improved size and physicality in the paint
• Strong defense that can force turnovers and create transition opportunities

Weaknesses:

• Need to improve shooting efficiency, especially from three-point range
• Can be prone to mental lapses and inconsistent effort
• Lack of a true go-to scorer who can consistently create his own shot

Prediction

This is a tough matchup to call, as both Saint Peters and Rutgers have their strengths and weaknesses. Saint Peters has the experience and momentum from their Elite Eight run, but Rutgers has the size, athleticism, and home-court advantage.

In the end, we slightly favor Saint Peters to pull off the upset. The Peacocks have a proven track record of success in big games, and they will be motivated to prove that their Elite Eight run was no fluke. Rutgers will need to play their best game of the season to avoid an early-season letdown.