Rutgers NIT Bid at Risk Following Loss to Wisconsin

Rutgers men's basketball suffered it's third consecutive loss in the Big Ten, falling to Wisconsin 78-66 in Madison on Thursday night.

The loss could have drastic affects on the program's NIT bid this month, as the club slips to .500 (15-15), and 7-12 in the Big Ten. Rutgers wraps up the season at home against Ohio State, and appears locked into the 12 vs. 13 game to open the conference tournament against either Maryland or Penn State.

"We were down a couple of soldiers and fought through it, but it wasn't enough," Head Coach Steve Pikiell said afterwards.

Despite the loss it was a big night for freshman Gavin Griffiths who dished out 14 points off the bench, which included nailing four three pointers.

"Gavin has been aggressive and a lot better at practice, I'm really proud of him," Pikiell continued. "It's not easy coming into this league as a rookie and he's learning the physicality of the game and he has been playing with really good confidence. I'm looking for him to continue that.

One of those three-pointers gave Rutgers a seven-point lead with 14:35 to play in the second half. Unfortunately it was the largest lead Rutgers would have the rest of the night, as Wisconsin quickly stormed back.

An 11-2 run by Wisconsin, saw the lead do a total 180 as Wisconsin grabbed a 51-49 lead. A three-pointer by Kamari McGee tied the game at 47 with 12:47 to play. Minutes later, McGee gave Wisconsin the lead on a layup.

Wisconsin would never trail again, outscoring Rutgers 27-17 the rest of the way.

Rutgers' last home game is Sunday at 2 p.m. against Wisconsin at Jersey Mike's Arena.