Rutgers and Maryland play for crucial Big Ten seeding, with Rutgers seeking to avoid a first-round exit after a recent loss.

Rutgers and Maryland, both 11-17 and 4-13 in the Big Ten, meet in College Park for a crucial game that could determine which team avoids the tournament’s first round. With Penn State already locked into a bottom-four spot, the winner may secure a better seeding. Rutgers, coming off a 79-72 loss to Washington, has struggled with defense and shooting efficiency despite strong bench play from freshmen Lino Mark and Darren Buchanan Jr. Maryland has improved in February, led by freshman Andre Mills, who averages 19.1 points on 50% shooting and 43.8% from three. The teams previously met on February 15, with Rutgers winning 68-57.