Omoruyi Powers Rutgers Past Nebraska in Big Ten Clash
Clifford Omoruyi dominated the boards, and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights came away with a huge overtime victory over Big Ten rival Nebraska, 87-82 at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
Omoruyi posted a double-double (14 points, 15 rebounds) as all five starters registered double-figures for Rutgers in what was a must-win for the Scarlet Knights. The victory secured a second win in the Big Ten for the Scarlet Knights (10-7) who find themselves tied with Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan in conference victories.
“We got to keep doing what we’re doing. I tell these guys, games aren’t won on computers, they’re won with the work and preparation you do. For only having a day to prepare, these guys did a fantastic job at locking in, they watched a ton of film, but it’s nice to be at home too. It’s a tough league to go on the road in. The home crowd gives us a huge advantage too. So, we’re thankful for that, and we’ll keep getting better,” Head Coach Steve Pikiell said afterward.
Rutgers recorded a program-best 56 rebounds in the victory; 25 of those rebounds came on the offensive end, which was the most for a Rutgers team in four years.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Rutgers trailed Nebraska by as many as 12 points midway through the second half, before mounting a spirited comeback. Slowly Rutgers crept back into it, with Omoruyi providing three huge buckets to bring RU to within a point, 69-68. Aundre Hyatt tied the game at the charity stripe with 19 seconds to go in regulation.
In OT, three-pointers by Hyatt and Austin Williams, and a bucket by Omoruyi helped to push Rutgers to a 79-74 lead with 2:19 to play. Rutgers would ice the game later at the free throw line.
At 10-7, Rutgers hits the road for Illinois in another must-win on January 21.
