Rutgers Clinches Big Ten Tournament Bye

Scarlet Knights to face 11th seed in opening round

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Rutgers has clinched the 14th seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, securing a bye to the second round. The Scarlet Knights will face the 11th seed, likely the Minnesota Golden Gophers, in the final game of the second round at the United Center in Chicago.

Why it matters

This is a significant accomplishment for the Rutgers men's basketball team, as it marks the first time they have clinched a bye to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament since joining the conference in 2014. A win in the opening round would set up a matchup with 6th-seeded UCLA.

The details

Rutgers (12-18, 5-14) clinched the 14th seed after Minnesota defeated Northwestern on Saturday night. The Scarlet Knights will open the tournament on Wednesday night, facing the 11th seed, which is expected to be the Golden Gophers. If Rutgers defeats Minnesota, they will advance to face 6th-seeded UCLA in the third round.

  • Rutgers clinched the 14th seed on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Scarlet Knights will open the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Steve Pikiell

Head coach of the Rutgers men's basketball team.

Emmanuel Ogbole

Senior center for the Rutgers men's basketball team who will be honored during the team's final regular season game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Rutgers' expected opponent in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament.

UCLA Bruins

The 6th-seeded team that Rutgers would face in the third round if they defeat Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“This is a significant accomplishment for the Rutgers men's basketball team, as it marks the first time they have clinched a bye to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament since joining the conference in 2014.”

— Brian Fonseca, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

If Rutgers defeats Minnesota in the opening round, they will face 6th-seeded UCLA in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament.

The takeaway

Rutgers' ability to clinch a bye to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament is a testament to the progress the program has made under head coach Steve Pikiell. The Scarlet Knights will look to build on this accomplishment and make a deep run in the conference tournament.