The Rutgers basketball season has been a rollercoaster ride so far. With a record of 6-4 and just a third of the season completed, the Scarlet Knights are gearing up for a crucial stretch. January will bring a full slate of Big Ten games, but before that, they have three out-of-conference opponents to face. This upcoming trio of games could be make-or-break for their NCAA Tournament hopes, making them must-wins for head coach Steve Pikeill and his team.

Rutgers Basketball's Next Three Games: Must-Wins for the Tournament

Seton Hall

The Pirates are having a down year with a 5-5 record. This game against Seton Hall is a quad 4 opponent and Rutgers can't afford to lose. Rivalry games often go down to the wire, but having the home-court advantage could give them an edge. It doesn't have to be a flawless win; just a victory will do. Rutgers needs to show their dominance on their home court and come out on top.Last season, Rutgers faced a different Princeton team. This year, Princeton is currently 8-4 and ranked No.115 in the NET. They have a couple of common wins against Merrimack and Monmouth but have also lost to teams like Furman, Wright State, Texas State, and Loyola. Rutgers should be able to handle this team easily and add another win to their tally.

Princeton

This game will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark on a neutral court. Rutgers opened last season with a loss to Princeton, but this team seems to be a different beast. There is no one on the current Princeton team who can match the skills of Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper. Rutgers has the upper hand and should be able to secure an easy win. They need to play their best game and show why they are a force to be reckoned with.The Tigers have had some ups and downs this season, and Rutgers needs to take advantage of their weaknesses. They need to be focused and disciplined on the court and not let Princeton get any momentum. A win against Princeton will boost their confidence and set them up for the rest of the season.

Columbia

Columbia is a team that has already defeated Villanova and is currently 10-1, with their only loss coming against Albany. They have a NET ranking of No.107 and won't be an easy opponent. Rutgers knows all too well about being defeated by a mid-major, as Kennesaw State already took down the Scarlet Knights. They can't afford another similar loss and need to be at their best.While Bailey and Harper have been sensational, Rutgers will need more from their reserves. In the last game against Penn State, the bench players combined for 27 points and helped secure the win. Pikiell praised their performance and emphasized the importance of the bench. If they can continue to get consistent contributions from the reserves, it will make a big difference.Rutgers needs to approach each game with the same level of intensity and focus. They can't take any team lightly, especially Columbia. A win against Columbia will give them a boost as they head into the New Year with a 9-4 record, which is a lot more promising than starting the Big Ten season with a losing record.