PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- No. 9 Michigan State and Rutgers open their Big Ten Conference schedule on Friday before an expected sold-out crowd at the Rutgers Athletic Center. The last time Rutgers played before 8,000 fans at home this early in the season was against in-state rival Princeton on Nov. 22, 1997.
The Scarlet Knights (6-1) are playing the second of three games over six days against teams ranked or receiving votes in the Associated Press Top 25, including two on the road. Rutgers also travels to No. 22 Wisconsin on Monday.
Coach Steve Pikiell's squad knocked off Miami in Florida, 57-54, for their fourth straight win on Wednesday.