Note: this is Dave's post.
In this one, Rutgers was sleeping from the tip.
Literally.
The ball went up and Gilvydas Biruta didn't even seem to know it. The Scarlet Knight's first 3 possessions resulted in turnovers. Offensively, Rutgers could never get it going.
More after the jump...
In a scene that Rutgers fans haven't seen much of this year, the Knights just couldn't get it going. Offensive sets looked rushed as they tried to figure out the Louisville defense. Passes were slopping and forced. No one could catch the ball. And when they got open shots, the ball just wouldn't go through the hoop.Jonathan Mitchell couldn't find his rhythm, passing up open 3s to instead dribble into traffic. Mike Coburn's floater, so effective against Syracuse, was repeatedly blocked. Dane Miller had open lanes to the hoop, only to be stopped. Only Biruta got into double figures.
In fact, Rutgers score 19 in the first and 18 in the second half. It was that bad.
The first half was all Louisville, meanwhile. They hit open threes. They got into the paint. They got every call and every no-call. Preston Knowles showed range, and Peyton Silva played like a Big East point guard. Rutgers had no answer.
The second was a bit better. RU's defense began to clamp down a bit, and the Cardinals only scored 7 points in the first ten minutes of the half. But they couldn't get any closer than nine points. Louisville ran away with the game after that.
Rutgers, again, didn't get the benefit of the call. Accord to Brendan Prunty, that was to be expected. RU's going to need to start getting some calls in the next three games if they want a chance to sweep and keep their postseason hopes alive. The Scarlet Knights are under .500 overall for the first time since their lost to Princeton in the first game of the season.
Just an overall forgettable night for the team. Hopefully they can rebound Sunday vs. West Virginia.
Here's Rice's post game presser.
PLAY THE MARCH TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AND YOU COULD WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO LAS VEGAS! LOOK FOR THE CODE INSIDE SPECIALLY-MARKED PACKAGES 12-PACKS OF BUD LIGHT ENTER CODE AT FACEBOOOK.COM/BUDLIGHT ----- No Purchase Necessary. Open to U.S. residents (except CA & TX) 21+. For a chance to win a Grand or First Prize, Game Period 1 begins 3PM CST on 2/14 & ends 3PM CDT on 3/18. For a chance to win a First Prize only, Game Period 2 begins 3:00:01PM CDT on 3/18 & ends 3PM CDT on 4/30. To participate, obtain a Code from inside specially-marked packages of Bud Light beer or to request a Code without purchase, visit budlight.com/freecode during a Game Period.
Limit one (1) free Code request/day/person or email address. To play, text HOOPS to BEERS (23377) & follow prompts or visit budlight.com/freecode & follow instructions. See Official Rules inside package or at budlight.com/freecode for complete details. Void in CA, TX & where prohibited. Enjoy Responsibly – ©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Bud Light® Beer, St. Louis, MO