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Northwestern and Rutgers both occupy the bottom third of the Big Ten as the Wildcats prepare to host the Scarlet Knights on Wednesday in Evanston, Ill.

The schools also share an objective: to climb from those depths over the final five-plus weeks of the regular season.

“We’re close,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said.

While Pikiell spoke in larger terms, his words also described the league standings. The Scarlet Knights (10-10, 3-6 Big Ten) and Wildcats (12-8, 3-6) have the same record in conference play, and both are coming off single-digit losses to ranked foes.

Ace Bailey of the Scarlet Knights leads the conference in scoring at 19.83 points per game, a touch above the Wildcats’ Nick Martinelli (19.75).

Rutgers stayed afloat on Saturday against then-No. 8 Michigan State behind a season-high 26 points from Jordan Derkack. The Scarlet Knights also were encouraged — albeit cautiously — by the effort from Dylan Harper. The freshman guard, who sprained his ankle during a Jan. 20 loss to Penn State, contributed six points in 13 minutes as a reserve.

Pikiell admitted that he didn’t think Harper would play in the game at Madison Square Garden. His status for Wednesday is unknown as Rutgers caps a stretch in which it plays three of four games on the road.

“I was proud of him for giving it a try,” Pikiell said. “He’s been gritty and tough for us. … Just going to take a little bit more time.”

Northwestern struggled mightily out of the gate against then-No. 17 Illinois on Sunday, falling behind by 22 points at the break before losing by nine.

“I was proud of our fight,” Wildcats coach Chris Collins said. “We’re going to keep playing until the final buzzer. That’s who we are.”

Northwestern derives much of its identity from Martinelli and Brooks Barnhizer, who combined for just 20 points on 8-for-26 shooting against Illinois.

Barnhizer, who fell hard on his face after a game-sealing dunk against Indiana last Wednesday, was limited to just three points and is looking to regroup.

–Field Level Media