Rutgers wrestling and basketball miss out on top-10 upsets: What lies next?, Five insights from Rutgers basketball’s fight but fail to defeat Purdue
Rutgers lost out on two chances to upset a top-10 team this past weekend.In the Big Ten on Saturday, its wrestling program lost to No. 9 Minnesota at Jersey Mike’s Arena, failing to secure the elusive victory over a Big Five program. A little more than a day later, despite an intense second-half rally, the men’s basketball team was unable to complete a third straight upset victory against Purdue and lost their match against the No. 2 Boilermakers.
Returning to discuss both of those competitions, upcoming plans for both programs, and much more is the Rutgers Rant.The program may be listened to by fans via the player at the top of this post, by visiting our YouTube channel, or by downloading it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or any other podcast-friendly website.
If you would like to submit questions for us to address in our upcoming show, when we discuss the game’s outcomes, register for our Rutgers Insider SMS service. Not only can you submit questions for the program, but you also receive real-time updates about the Scarlet Knights delivered directly to your phone, including any breaking news.
By texting RUTGERS to 908-258-6536 and tapping the link that appears in the text that is returned, new subscribers may sign up for a free two-week trial at nj.com/rutgersinsider.Rutgers waved at one. It fought hard against Purdue, which was rated second.
But in the end, Purdue held on for a 68-60 victory on Sunday at Jersey Mike’s Arena, as the Scarlet Knights were unable to overcome the Boilermakers. Purdue had been leading by just ten points late in the game.
Get a better start to the day. Receive daily updates in your email with all the news you need.
The Scarlet Knights upset the then-top-ranked Boilermakers on December 9, 2021, thanks to a buzzer-beating half-court jumper by Ron Harper Jr. Rutgers has not played Purdue since.
On January 28, 2024, in Piscataway, New Jersey, USA, center Zach Edey (15) of the Purdue Boilermakers snags rebounds from Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Antwone Woolfolk (13) during the first half of the game at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports ยฉ Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
With Sunday’s defeat, the Scarlet Knights’ record dropped to 10-9 overall and 2-6 in the Big Ten.Rutgers only made four of sixteen shots from beyond the arc and shot 37.5% overall. In the second half, when it shot 50% to keep the score close, it performed substantially better.
Coach Steve Pikiell stated, “In a game like this, you have to make shots.” “Especially early on.”Even so, Purdue, which had a 48.9% shooting percentage, found it difficult to overcome Pikiell’s squad.
They are resilient. Coach Matt Painter of the Boilermakers stated, “They’ve been fantastic for the Big Ten.” They have a strong nose and are physical. It is only a difficult task. You are aware of what will be received. Your chinstrap has to be tightened.”
Before halftime, Rutgers was losing 33โ20 against the Scarlet Knights, who had only made 9 of 34 field goals and 0 of 8 from beyond the arc.With seven minutes remaining in the first half, an Aundre Hyatt jumper pulled Rutgers to within five points, but Purdue surged ahead 12โ4 to end the half.
Pikiell blamed turnovers for the Scarlet Knights’ double-digit deficit.”We had some careless turnovers, which gave them easy points,” Pikiell stated. “I liked some of the looks we got, but we turned the ball over I think it was seven times in the first half.”
The battle continued until the second half.Just over five minutes into the second half, Cliff Omoruyi’s layup cut Rutgers’ lead to single digits. The Scarlet Knights persisted, and at 8:12, Noah Fernandes’ three-pointer trimmed the Boilermakers’ advantage to two, causing the audience to erupt in applause.
However, Purdue had a one-digit lead until the very end, and Rutgers was unable to accumulate enough stops to catch up. Omoruyi finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while Hyatt led the Scarlet Knights with 15 points.
FIVE THOUGHTS:
1. Zach Edey’s acting
Zach Edey, the greatest player in the nation, ended with a total of 26 points (9 of 12 shooting) and 12 rebounds.”It’s a tough team to prepare for; it’s a tough team to play,” remarked Pikiell. “Not many people have a 7-5 guy that catches everything, makes free throws and does what he does.”
In an effort to prevent Edey from picking up a second foul, Purdue coach Matt Painter alternated between resting Edey on defensive possessions and substituted him in for offensive ones during the first half.
However, as the two best big men in the Big Ten, Edey and Omoruyi engaged in a physical, hard-fought fight in the low post throughout the whole game.Rutgers as a team took fewer foul throws than Edey didโ13.
2. Rutgers’ offensive shortcomings
For the Scarlet Knights to have a greater chance of pulling off an upset, they had to shoot far better than they did.Given that Purdue also had a sluggish offensive start, Rutgers’ missed 15 of its first 19 shots, which was expensive.
The Scarlet Knights performed admirably in almost every other category. Their defense was strong, as they outrebounded Purdue 36โ32, including a 15โ6 advantage on the offensive glass.Simply put, they lacked sufficient offensive.
3. Electric environment
As Rutgers looks on methods to modernize Jersey Many people are worried that changes to Mike’s Arena will have an impact on the atmosphere during games.
Sunday gave us a really good explanation.The jam-packed student section added to the already amazing environment produced by the capacity crowd, which was the loudest Jersey Mike’s Arena has been in a long time. The energy persisted throughout the game.
With 15 points, Hyatt remarked, “Jersey Mike’s Arena was rocking.” Before tipoff, there were plenty of people. It had a lot in it. It greatly boosted our vitality.”
4. Former standouts from Rutgers University recognized
At halftime, Rutgers hosted a lovely ceremony to recognize three members of the 1976 Final Four team: Mike Dabney, Eddie Jordan, and Hollis Copeland. Now hanging in Jersey Mike’s Arena’s rafters are the retired jersey numbers for all three players.
As part of a new tradition Rutgers has created to recognize prior great Scarlet Knights, the group is the first of the “Knights of Honor.”The crowd gave Pikiell’s predecessor, Jordan, a hearty round of applause.
“It’s really impressive to see their numbers up there,” Pikiell said. I sincerely appreciate that we were able to pay them the proper tribute. These guys are awesome.”
5. Next.
On Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network, Rutgers will play Penn State at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Following consecutive defeats to Ohio State and Minnesota, the Nittany Lions are now 9-11 (3-6 Big Ten).