A chance to inch out of the lower tier of the Big Ten standings is on the line when Northwestern takes on Rutgers Friday night in Piscataway. Both teams sit at 1-5 in conference play, with the Scarlet Knights coming off blowout losses to Minnesota and Purdue after its huge home win over Ohio State.

The game figures to be a rock fight — both defense rank in the country’s top 50 per KenPom, although the Scarlet Knight defense has been the worst in the conference since Big Ten play began. Geo Baker and Eugene Omoruyi lead the way in terms of scoring, but Omoruyi has missed the last two games for Rutgers.

On paper, this looks like one of the more winnable games for the Wildcats. Still, Northwestern could still be without Vic Law, who is battling a lower-body injury and missed the Michigan game on Sunday. It’ll be all hands on deck for NU to beat Rutgers, who seems to play their best basketball at home.

Broadcast Information

Game Time: 6 p.m. CT

TV: BTN

Radio: WGN 720 AM

Online: BTN2Go.com

Betting line: Northwestern -1.5, O/U 130