On the Banks - 2014 American Athletic Conference TournamentInsomnia for the sleeping giant.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50417/onthebanks-fav.png2014-03-13T20:22:35-04:00http://www.onthebanks.com/rss/stream/52694672014-03-13T20:22:35-04:002014-03-13T20:22:35-04:00........
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<figcaption>Joe Murphy</figcaption>
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<p>Yup.</p> <p>What can you say?</p>
<p>Rutgers was overmatched in every facet of the game tonight. There wasn't one single bright spot. The team did nothing well. Louisville got their hand hand on every ball, deflected every pass, and kept Rutgers from doing anything offensively.</p>
<p>Defensively, it was even worse.</p>
<p>And so another season ends with Rutgers in an embarrassing place. In the days and weeks to come we'll look at what RU has to do to improve.</p>
<p>But until then, I'm going to go weep.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2014/3/13/5506622/92-31Dave White2014-03-12T21:37:50-04:002014-03-12T21:37:50-04:00Moore Saves Jack: Road to the Final Four Continues
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rutgers Defeats South Florida, 72-68</p> <p>JJ Moore played the part of a senior. And a hero.</p>
<p>Up just 2 with just under 6 seconds left, and <span>Kadeem Jack</span> at the line, Jack missed both his shots. Moore, however, got into the lane for the offensive rebound. He was fouled, made both and iced the game for Rutgers.</p>
<p>In a game that looked like it was about to turn into a walk, Rutgers had to hang on over some ridiculous decisions to beat South Florida.</p>
<p>The game started out unlike most Scarlet Knights games against the Bulls. The game was wide open and back and forth, both teams pushing the tempo. <span>Myles Mack</span> was hot early, shooting and distributing. He would finish with 16 points, but in the final possessions of the game served the role of inbounder instead of receiver. It kept him off the line.</p>
<p>Kadeem Jack, despite the two missed free throws, dominated the second half scoring a total of 18 points and making most of his free throws as well. Rutgers shot 80% from the line, but the key misses by Jack will be remembered, as will Moore's saving grace.</p>
<p><span>Wally Judge</span> played a solid role as well with 15 points before fouling out. Judge was key early in the second half with some rebounds and lay-ups, helping Rutgers push the Knights to a double digit lead. Once he fouled out, the Bull clawed back.</p>
<p><span>Victor Rudd</span> continued to torch Rutgers' defense with 22, but failed to box Moore out on the deciding play. It worked out for Rutgers and now they'll face the tall task of beating the <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Louisville Cardinals</a> at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon.</p>
<p>Rutgers needs to keep from turning the ball over, play better defense, and make all their shots. They played a shoddy game and survived, much like you often do in March.</p>
<p>But tomorrow is a tall task.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2014/3/12/5502772/the-road-to-the-final-four-continuesDave White2014-03-11T21:19:49-04:002014-03-11T21:19:49-04:00AAC Tourney Preview: One Game At A Time
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<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rutgers is One (Year) and Done in the AAC Tournament... </p> <p>Rutgers travelled to Memphis today, after playing its best basketball over the year over the past 3 games. Now it's time for the AAC Tournament, a wonderful moment in college hoops when anything can happen. Get a player or two hot over a 4 game stretch... and therein lie miracles.</p>
<p>And so, tomorrow night at 7:00, Rutgers will take on the <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">South Florida Bulls</a>, the only team they beat twice this year, and the last place team in the AAC. Win that and they move on to face the <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Louisville Cardinals</a> who trounced Rutgers by 48 earlier this season.</p>
<p>But let's take it 1 game at a time and talk about what the Scarlet Knights have to do to beat the Bulls.</p>
<p>--<b>Feed Kadeem Jack: </b>In both games Jack was the motor that made Rutgers win. In the Sunshine State, Jack was unstoppable, scoring 31 points and going 13-13 from the Free Throw line. At the RAC, USF made Jack very uncomfortable, at times triple teaming him, but Jack still managed to score 20 including the game winner with 11 seconds left. Jack clearly befuddles South Florida, so keep giving him the ball.</p>
<p>--<b>Limit Victor Rudd: </b>At the RAC, RU allowed Rudd to get comfortable and he scored 26 points on volume shooting. He was a thorn in their side on the road as well, throwing down a thunderous dunk that almost brought the Bulls back in the game. Rutgers needs to stick their best defender on him.</p>
<p>--<b>Play Within the Offense: </b>When Rutgers does this, they look like a team that belongs with some of the better teams in conference. However, all season, too often they get into Me Too mode. This is something to keep an eye on JJ Moore with. He's only 11 points shy of 1000 for his career. You know he wants those points.</p>
<p>--<b>Rebound, Rebound, Rebound: </b>The Bulls are not a great offensive team, so Rutgers can't give them second chances.</p>
<p>--<b>Step on Their Throats: </b>It's very tough to beat a team 3 times in one year. If RU manages to get up early, keep pushing until the final buzzer. You don't want to give USF any confidence.</p>
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<p>Do that and RU is looking at a rematch with the Cardinals.</p>
https://www.onthebanks.com/2014/3/11/5498420/aac-tournament-previewDave White2014-03-10T15:43:29-04:002014-03-10T15:43:29-04:00Not Half Bad: Tourney Time!
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<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Regular Season, Alas, is over.</p> <p>Dave from <a href="http://www.onthebanks.com">On the Banks</a> and Norman from <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com">Rumble in the Garden</a> are back with another episode of Not Half Bad. With the regular season winding down and the Conference Tournaments on the horizon, the guys talk about:</p>
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<li><span>Rutgers' week against UConn and Cincinnati. Was a corner turned for Eddie Jordan's crew?</span></li>
<li><span>St. John's played DePaul and Marquette and both games were ugly. In a good way, we guess.</span></li>
<li><span>Steve Lavin is on the verge of a contract extension. Good idea?</span></li>
<li><span>Eddie Jordan gave a State of the Union press conference. What do Dave and Norman think about where Rutgers is right now?</span></li>
<li><span>The recruiting futures, including the upcoming battle between St. John's and Rutgers.</span></li>
<li><span>What surprises can you see coming in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-east-basketball-tournament" class="sbn-auto-link">Big East Tournament</a>?</span></li>
<li><span>What (other than Rutgers winning the tournament, which is going to happen) will be the most shocking thing about the AAC Tournament?</span></li>
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<p>All that and more, as the guys do their best impressions of Droopy Dog and NPR DJ's on Not Half Bad:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a title="Not Half Bad Season 2, Episode 18" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4116301/nhbs2e18.mp3">Not Half Bad, Season 2, Episode 18</a> – right-click to download. Like it? Hate it? Comment or email us about it at <a href="mailto:nothalfbadpod@gmail.com">nothalfbadpod@gmail.com</a> or on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/NHBPod/">@NHBPod</a>.</p>
<p><em>22 MB, 45 minutes</em></p>
<p>Available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/not-half-bad-the-podcast/id601613054?mt=2">iTunes</a> - go on, give us a five star review!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4116301/nhbs2e18.mp3">Not Half Bad, Season 2, Episode 18</a> - right-click to download, or play in the player below. Like it? Hate it? Comment or email us about it at <a href="mailto:nothalfbadpod@gmail.com">nothalfbadpod@gmail.com</a>.</p>
<p>Flash Player</p>
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<p>HTML5 Player</p>
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https://www.onthebanks.com/2014/3/10/5492296/not-half-bad-tourney-timeDave White