Underdogs: Thoughts on a crucial 58-57 Win against Wisconsin

Rutgers lastly snaps their three-game dropping streak with a win on the street vs Wisconsin. Ideas:

Cam Spencer: The guard lastly received again to his recreation in a giant means on Saturday. He scored 22 factors, together with 19 within the first half when the Scarlet Knights wanted any offense they may get. He drained six threes and actually held the Rutgers offense collectively early within the recreation. Liked to see him be the offensive pressure everyone knows he might be. It’ll be vital for him to proceed to make a distinction over the past two weeks of the season.

Preventing By means of Adversity: With Magazine already out, Rutgers was already shorthanded. Caleb McConnell getting harm simply earlier than recreation time didn’t assist both, however the Scarlet Knights fought again arduous. Regardless of having maybe the 2 greatest defenders within the Large Ten out in opposition to the Badgers, Rutgers solely gave up 57 factors. Wisconsin’s high scorer Chucky Hepburn was held to only six factors, and the Badgers shot simply 33.3% from the sector. With the deck stacked in opposition to them, Rutgers received a win on the street.

Bench made a Distinction: Regardless of scoring simply seven factors, the bench was enormous on this recreation. With two starters out, Rutgers performed only a seven-man rotation (Miller and Woofolk performed lower than two minutes every), and Derek Simpson and Dean Reiber got here up massive for the Scarlet Knights. On one play, Reiber even attached with Mulcahy for a Cliff Omoruyi-esque alley-oop. These two guys confirmed numerous poise enjoying massive minutes in an nearly must-win recreation for Rutgers.

Offensive Issues: Whereas Rutgers gained this recreation, there are some severe issues with their offense. The Scarlet Knights proceed to overlook straightforward photographs across the basket, and solely put up simply 58 factors. Paul Mulcahy scored solely six factors, and if Rutgers is gonna go far this March, Paul must be a extra constant scoring risk. The Scarlet Knights are fourth within the Kenpom for protection, however simply 128th nationally for offense. With a discrepancy like that, Rutgers is extraordinarily vulnerable to dangerous losses if their protection is off just a bit bit. Prior to now, Rutgers had Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker, who may make photographs when the group had gone chilly. I’m undecided they’ve that this yr.

Trying Forward: Rutgers wants to search out no less than two extra wins down the stretch in the event that they wish to make the NCAA event. They’ve one recreation in opposition to Minnesota, however the different three are not any positive factor. Hopefully, McConnell is again for the sport in opposition to Michigan and so they can decide up a giant W in opposition to the Wolverines.