My father and I flew down for the game and boy are we happy we did!
First, the Miami campus is gorgeous. Had a chance to walk around for a few hours before the game. We were in RU gear and the people/students were extremely welcoming. If I had gone to school there, I would have skipped every class for the pools.
As for the game, I was shocked by turnout. Miami is a perrenial contender and tournament team. The arena was probably around 50% full and had no juice at all. Was also pleasantly surprised by the RU turnout. Must’ve been over 50 of us in the building. Their arena is very modern and beautiful but I’d take the RAC over it any day. Felt a little cookie cutter without character. People complain about the RAC needing an update but I think the opposite.
As for the game, extremely well coached. I sat second row behind the scorers table and was able to hear both coaches a lot. There was a clear mismatch with Geo and Lykes. Pike exploited this early on and to geos credit, he didn’t miss. 6’4” point guard is too tall of an order for Lykes at 5’7”. Larranaga was forced to sit lykes which was the first huge advantage for us in the chess match.
Similarly, with about 12 mins left, pikiell took out Doorson and geo and put in McConnell and Duke. Larranaga immediately pounded the ball inside and their center got two quick buckets.
As a lifelong Rutgers fan, I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t waiting for the shoe to drop and us find a way to lose this close game. Times have finally changed. They pulled out the gutsy win against a legit ACC team on the road!
Aside from Geo, who I think all would agree shined, I was probably most impressed by Doorson. He doesn’t really show up in the stat sheet but he was terrific defensively and on the boards. This Miami big was a monster and all of our other bigs were having major problems with him. When Doorson was in, there weren’t the second chance opportunities and the kid was held in check. He’s quietly become a very solid contributor.
Lastly, the EO three. I still can’t wrap my head around how good of a shooter he’s become. That hit to put us up 5 was the dagger after we squandered several opportunities to put them away. Only fitting that it was him.
Post game the RU fans gathered and I was able to celebrate/meet Quincy Douby and Pikiells family. Really awesome experience.
Flying home tomorrow and will be in our seats by 5:30. See you there!
First, the Miami campus is gorgeous. Had a chance to walk around for a few hours before the game. We were in RU gear and the people/students were extremely welcoming. If I had gone to school there, I would have skipped every class for the pools.
As for the game, I was shocked by turnout. Miami is a perrenial contender and tournament team. The arena was probably around 50% full and had no juice at all. Was also pleasantly surprised by the RU turnout. Must’ve been over 50 of us in the building. Their arena is very modern and beautiful but I’d take the RAC over it any day. Felt a little cookie cutter without character. People complain about the RAC needing an update but I think the opposite.
As for the game, extremely well coached. I sat second row behind the scorers table and was able to hear both coaches a lot. There was a clear mismatch with Geo and Lykes. Pike exploited this early on and to geos credit, he didn’t miss. 6’4” point guard is too tall of an order for Lykes at 5’7”. Larranaga was forced to sit lykes which was the first huge advantage for us in the chess match.
Similarly, with about 12 mins left, pikiell took out Doorson and geo and put in McConnell and Duke. Larranaga immediately pounded the ball inside and their center got two quick buckets.
As a lifelong Rutgers fan, I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t waiting for the shoe to drop and us find a way to lose this close game. Times have finally changed. They pulled out the gutsy win against a legit ACC team on the road!
Aside from Geo, who I think all would agree shined, I was probably most impressed by Doorson. He doesn’t really show up in the stat sheet but he was terrific defensively and on the boards. This Miami big was a monster and all of our other bigs were having major problems with him. When Doorson was in, there weren’t the second chance opportunities and the kid was held in check. He’s quietly become a very solid contributor.
Lastly, the EO three. I still can’t wrap my head around how good of a shooter he’s become. That hit to put us up 5 was the dagger after we squandered several opportunities to put them away. Only fitting that it was him.
Post game the RU fans gathered and I was able to celebrate/meet Quincy Douby and Pikiells family. Really awesome experience.
Flying home tomorrow and will be in our seats by 5:30. See you there!
