Rutgers Makes History
On February 1st the Rutgers men’s basketball team lost to Northwestern 79-78. Their record was 12-9 overall and 6-5 in the Big Ten conference. After a bad loss, the games in front of the Scarlet Knights looked like a lot to handle. Five ranked teams to go through. Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Purdue. Every win counts if they want a good seeding in the conference tournament and the big dance.
So far the Scarlet Knights have passed every test winning four out of the five games so far. This team is not just winning nail bitters either they are winning convincingly. They beat Michigan State by 21 points one of the biggest shockers in college basketball this year. Was it a fluke? Probably not, number 16 Ohio State came to New Jersey after that and Rutgers was able to escape winning by two. Making timely plays on the offensive and defensive end to win the game. The Scarlet Knights then travel to play a discipline Wisconsin team and end up winning by eight. Just last night Rutgers man handles Illinois at home and wins by 11.
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 05: Jalen Miller #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts a layup as Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans defends during the second half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 5, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Michigan State 84-63. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
If Rutgers keeps winning they put themselves in running for a top four seed in the Big Ten tournament. If they can get one of those seeds they will get a double bye making their path to the tournament championship a little easier. The Scarlet Knights know they have to keep winning and win well against the teams ahead of them for consideration into the big dance. According to Joe Lunardi’s bracketology the Scarlet Knights are on the next four out line.
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 09: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrate their 66-64 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 9, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Rutgers is the first unranked team in NCAA history to play four straight regular season games against ranked opponents and win. This is the most ranked wins in program history. The Scarlet Knights have been great this season at home with a record of 13-2. They are also 14-1 when they hold their opponents to 65 points or less.
Rutgers will put their big win streak on the line when they travel to face Purdue February 20 at 5:30 on Fox Sports 1.
