Rutgers Edges Out Penn State, Earns Double-Bye in Big Ten Tournament
RUTGERS 59 – PENN STATE 58
As has been the case all season, Rutgers men’s basketball didn’t make it easy, holding on to beat Penn State 59-58 on Senior Day, as Rutgers finished the regular season at 18-12 and 12-8 in the Big Ten Conference before preparations begin for the Big Ten Tournament this week.
More importantly with the win in hand, combined with a loss by Iowa on Sunday night, Rutgers earned the number four seed in the Big Ten Tournament; meaning Rutgers will get a double-bye and won’t play until Friday.
Coming 🔜 The 2022 #B1GMBBall Tournament--here's the bracket! https://t.co/tcv0VyGvmN
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 7, 2022
What GIF best describes your excitement for Wednesday? 👇 pic.twitter.com/mXN31pi8Fo
Rutgers’ fate for the NCAA Tournament could come down to how well they perform in Indianapolis this week.
Rutgers led Penn State by as many as 15 points, before Penn State rallied late in the second half with a 17-4 run that included a pair of three pointers from Myles Dread and a three by Seth Lundy to make it a 55-51 ballgame with a little over three minutes remaining.
A foul by Ron Harper Jr. put John Harrar on the free throw line where he connected on both to make it a one-score game. After Harper missed a three pointer that would have iced it, Ludy hit the game-tying jumper with two minutes to go.
.@wizcliff77's head is ALWAYS above the rim. https://t.co/3c6GMIU8Bw
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) March 6, 2022
Harper did get some redemption. He was fouled inside by Ludy, and connected on one of two-free throws to give Rutgers the lead back, 56-55 with 1:24 to go. After a terrific defensive stand by Rutgers, Caleb McConnell drew the foul and connected on both of his free throw attempts to push the RU lead back out to three points.
It all came down to the waning seconds. A missed three pointer by Penn State’s Greg Lee gave Rutgers life, as Geo Baker came down with the ball and was fouled. He would hit on one of his free throw shots to give RU a 59-55 lead with 17 seconds to go.
Penn State wouldn’t go away. Sam Sessions had a chance at a three and connected, cutting the Rutgers lead to one-point, forcing Steve Pikiell to use a timeout. With just seconds remaining, a turnover by Paul Mulcahy, who was stripped almost proved costly, however three ball by Sessions with time expiring missed, and Rutgers held on!
“We have been down 15 And we’ve been able to fight back. It’s a 40 minute game, it’s 10 rounds,” head coach Steve Pikiell said. “You just have to win the game. We were able to do that. but every single game we are in, I think they’re the number one team in the country at playing one possession game. I told our guys it’s going to be a one possession game. I certainly didn’t lie to them.”
Harper led the team with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting; Clifford Omoruyi had nine points; Paul Mulcahy had eight points and six assists; Caleb McConnell and Geo Baker each had six points. Dean Reiber had nine points and Aundre Hyatt had six points off the bench.
Back with a senior night episode of Ralph’s Corner with your host @raefelagee with the seniors as the guests: @Geo_Baker_1 @__RHJR @caleb_mcco @lukenathan33 …..
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) March 7, 2022
Then the man behind the camera @JoshNi18 pic.twitter.com/ocIHn7WBVl
Rutgers will have the double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament, and could face either Iowa, Northwestern or Nebraska depending on who survives the first two rounds. Tip-off follows the conclusion of Illinois game against the winner of Michigan/Indiana, which begins at 11:30 a.m. So expect a 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. tip.
Follow us here on Fox Sports New Jersey for more information leading up to game time!

PISCATAWAY, NJ – MARCH 06: Geo Baker #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts a shot as John Harrar #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions defend during the second half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on March 6, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Penn State 59.58. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

PISCATAWAY, NJ – MARCH 06: Paul Mulcahy #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts a shot as Seth Lundy #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions defend sduring the second half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on March 6, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Penn State 59.58. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

PISCATAWAY, NJ – MARCH 06: Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates with students after Rutgers 59-58 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions in a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on March 6, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)