Rutgers took it to Michigan from the opening tipoff and never looked back.
Geo Baker scored 27 points and Ron Harper Jr. contributed a 20-point effort to lead Rutgers to a 75-67 win over Michigan, Tuesday night in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The win snapped an 87-year winless streak against Michigan (7-6, 1-2 Big Ten). That covers a 15-game series that began December 20, 1933.
Emphatic might not be a strong enough word to describe this win for the Scarlet Knights (8-5, 2-1 Big Ten).
For head coach Steve Pikiell, it’s a statement win. He has now led Rutgers to a victory over every Big Ten team at least once in his sixth-year Scarlet Knights coaching career.
It was a long night at the office for the Wolverines and head coach Juwan Howard. Michigan played without four reserves due to undisclosed medical reasons. They were also missing another player on the trip due to personal reasons.
Like sharks smelling blood in the water, Rutgers opened up on Michigan with three pointers from Harper Jr., Paul Mulcahy, and Baker.
The Scarlet Knights, ironically came into this game averaging the fewest number of made 3-pointers in the Big Ten Conference at five per game. They lit up Michigan on 11-for-23 shooting from downtown.
“We battled through a lot of stuff,’’ Pikiell said. “These guys were terrific down the stretch, made big plays, hit 3′s, really sharing the ball. Proud of these guys. Good veteran win.’’
What’s ahead for Rutgers?
The Wolverines were not at full-strength, but the name of the game is to beat who’s on your schedule. Despite Michigan’s early-season struggles, this is still a high-quality win for Rutgers. It’s also ideal timing.
The Scarlet Knights have won four of their last five games. They’ll now head into a three-game stretch against Nebraska, at Penn State, and at Maryland. All three teams are currently at the bottom of the Big Ten standings.
A strong showing on this stretch helps clear the stench from early-season nonconference losses to Lafayette and UMass.
Image: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
