Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Creighton Bluejays

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Two teams looking to finish challenging seasons on a high note will meet in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Thursday when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights face the Creighton Bluejays at T-Mobile Arena.

The game, set for April 2, 2026, pits a pair of programs seeking momentum heading into the offseason. Creighton (15-17) enters as a slight favorite, installed by oddsmakers at -2.5 points. The over/under total is 148.5.

The Bluejays, playing in a neutral-site contest designated as the home team, concluded their regular season with a 72-61 loss at Seton Hall on March 12. Guard Josh Dix led the way in that defeat, scoring 22 points with six rebounds and four assists. Creighton’s season has been marked by inconsistency, featuring a notable 91-84 road win over Connecticut on Feb. 18 but also several narrow losses in Big East play, including one-point defeats to DePaul and Providence.

Rutgers (14-19) arrives after a 72-59 loss at UCLA on March 12. Guard Angelino Mark paced the Scarlet Knights with 17 points and five assists in that contest. Rutgers showed resilience late in the season, securing road wins at Minnesota and Maryland in early March. However, defensive struggles have been a recurring issue, as evidenced by allowing 98 points in a February loss at UCLA and 91 in a road defeat at Michigan State.

The matchup will feature a contrast in recent performance trends. Rutgers has alternated wins and losses over its last six games, while Creighton has dropped three of its last four.

Key individual battles will likely include Rutgers’ Mark against Creighton’s backcourt of Dix and Nik Graves, who scored 15 points against Seton Hall. In the frontcourt, Creighton’s Jasen Green, who pulled down 11 rebounds in the last outing, will contend with Rutgers’ Emmanuel Ogbole, a presence near the rim with two blocks in his last game.

With both teams below .500, the contest serves as a final opportunity to build positive momentum before turning the page to the 2026-27 campaign. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. EDT at T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.