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Rutgers won a weird, hard fought game 54-44.
Geo Baker in the First Half, Eugene Omoruyi in the Second: Geo paced Rutgers early in the game, dropping in 15 points in the first half. He was the only one scoring and took advantage of BU players sagging off of him by nailing some deep threes. And then, in the second, when Geo went cold, Eugene Omoruyi took over. He had a double double and just dominated the 2nd half. The two leaders of this team did what they were supposed to and dragged Rutgers away from what could have been a really bad loss.
Steve Pikiell is a Good Coach: One of the ways to tell the strengths of a college basketball coach is the kind of offensive looks a team gets coming out of timeouts. If you really watch closely, Rutgers nearly always runs a good set out of the TO. The shots might not always go in, but they get good looks. Today, Rutgers best set came out of a timeout and it was when Rutgers needed it most. Up only 3 points with about a minute and fifty to go, Pikiell called timeout. Back on the court, Issa Thiam got the ball, posted up and made a lay-in plus the foul. Thiam made the free throw (yes, Rutgers needs to work on FT shooting, I know I know I know), and that helped the Scarlet Knights pull away.
Boston University Has Potential: I thought the Terriers were really well coached too. When Geo was making his run early, Joe Jones called time out and adjusted. From that point on, Baker didn’t get any room at all, and it really caused Rutgers to slow down. The Terriers defended really well and took advantage of the Scarlet Knights by running through through screen after screen and making smart passes. If you like college basketball, they are a team to keep an eye on the next few years.
Now Comes the Gauntlet: The next three games are games Rutgers fans have circled since the schedule came out. It is not an easy stretch: at Miami, Michigan State and then at Wisconsin. Most fans are going to think Rutgers will lose all three, but if they can steal one with hot shooting or solid defense that would really open people’s eyes. Not sure they can do it, but we will see how it goes. Strap in, Rutgers fans.