The day began with some good injury news for the Scarlet Knights: point guard Paul Mulcahy was cleared to return to the lineup, putting the Scarlet Knights at full strength for the first time this season. On the Hoosier bench, star freshman point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino was forced to sit out the game after suffering back spasms during pre-game warmups.
Rutgers entered the match at 5-2, blowing a double-digit lead midway through the 2nd half in Coral Gables against the Miami Hurricanes this past Wednesday. The Hoosiers came into play rolling at 7-0 and No. 10 in the nation, owning impressive victories over Xavier and North Carolina, whom they rolled over this past Wednesday in Bloomington.