Potential big time non-conference games Duke basketball should schedule

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – MARCH 03: Geo Baker #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is presented with a game ball by head coach Steve Pikiell before a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Rutgers Athletic Center on March 3, 2020, in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Maryland 78-67. Baker scored his 1000th career point during the team’s last game. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Duke vs. Rutgers (Madison Square Garden)

Another Big Ten team makes the list of potential teams Duke should play in the non-conference schedule, but Rutgers wouldn’t be fit for a trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium just yet in an ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge.

The Scarlet Knights were on the national scene in college basketball for the first time since the 1991 season, the last time the program was in the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Steve Pikiell had his team set for a run for the postseason, and returning most of its core from this past season, Rutgers will be looking to take that next step in finally hearing its named called on Selection Sunday.

The Rutgers Athletic Center was a nightmare for opposing teams to play in, but the Scarlet Knights fell in their only game at Madison Square Garden, which was a road game on the schedule against Michigan.

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A game in its own backyard against a national power in Duke would only help the Rutgers program. Fans flocked to Madison Square Garden last season. They would only do the same next year, assuming the Scarlet Knights don’t fall flat on their face prior to Big Ten play.

Duke would get its chance to play in Madison Square Garden, as it does virtually every season, and Rutgers would get to see how it performs against a non-Big Ten national brand.

The Blue Devils and Scarlet Knights have only played three times, with Duke winning all three games, the last one coming in the 1992-93 season.

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