What went wrong? Rutgers traveled to Providence fully aware they would get a battle, Ed Cooley’s teams play hard, but hopeful of exiting the ‘Dunk’ with a win. It all came unraveled as Providence built a 14 point halftime lead en route to a 78-67 victory.

The basic numbers, efficiency wise, tell the tale:

Possessions: 65 (a moderate tempo)

Offensive efficiency: Rutgers 103 Providence 120

The 103 is above average. Not great but enough to win games. Giving up 120 is another victory. You will not win many games, if any, allowing that metric.

What contributed? On Rutgers end they had a 20% turnover rate. High, but not awful PC enjoyed a 16.9% rate and an eFG mark of 59%. Simply, Mike Rice’s group did not pressure the Friars into turnover prone mistakes. Nor did they do any type of credible job defending shots. Providence shot 53% from two point range and 50% (7 of 14) beyond the arc. Again, that will not get you many W’s.

The best thing for Rutgers is, don’t dwell on this one. Learn from the mistakes but move ahead as a trip to Louisville is on tap this Saturday.

The Manley numbers:

Myles Mack led Rutgers in scoring with 16 points but the Manley Efficiency leader for Rutgers players logging ten or more minutes was five. That number epitomized the night Rutgers had.

Miller scored 6 points on 3 of 5 shooting from the floor. The junior swingman added 5 rebounds, a steal and a block.