Yes this was a movie we have seen before, RU up 9 points late and cannot close it out. I take no moral victory from today's effort and yeah it sucks to lose but I am not that crushed over this loss. I do not think anyone could predict that we would be in this type of game with Wisconsin given how well their system and how well they can shoot and how poorly RU shoots. What is very important to focus on after this game is not the loss but the fact is RUTGERS IS NO LONGER A RUNNING JOKE IN THE BIG TEN. RU has competed at some point in virtually every game except Michigan State and they have really cut back on the blowouts that permeated and stunk up the Jordan era.
It is true that Wisconsin laid a stinky egg today for much of the game. I mean they shot 3-25 from 3 and alot of them were open, they missed countless layups. So we didnt get their best effort BUT much credit has to be given to the coaching staff and the players. Rutgers bothered Wisconsin, repeat after me Rutgers defense bothered Wisconsin a top 15 team and made them uncomfortable and totally took them out of the rhythm...FLUMMOXED...seems like the appropriate word. Changing defenses, every guy playing their man, it was pretty much the best defensive performance in years.
The word is out, Rutgers is not an easy out anymore. They will play great defense , they will rebound, they will fight and claw and give great effort. Unfortunately they cannot shoot. Today was prime example, this was a game where RU could have been up double digits but couldnt get anything going in half court and seemed to only go on runs scoring points. Foul shooting continued to be a struggle and more importantly were misses late, though in fairness Wisconsin shot them equally as poorly. RU just is not equipped to be able to pull out this game. I do not think it was a case of RU blowing the game but moreso Wisconsin stayed the course and were cool as cucumbers down the stretch and executed. Once it got into overtime I think most of us knew the game was over. Just got beat by a better team.
So going forward from here, the only issue of concern is the mindset of the team, Pike has to get this team to shrug this one off and have them in the right frame of mind for a very winnable game against a young and vulnerable Iowa squad who is struggling including Jok who may not be 100%. If RU can keep their head on straight and give another effort like today, they will likely pull the win out at the RAC, if not..... better days ahead but this is the foundation, the staff can coach, we just need better talent and guys who can shoot.
It is true that Wisconsin laid a stinky egg today for much of the game. I mean they shot 3-25 from 3 and alot of them were open, they missed countless layups. So we didnt get their best effort BUT much credit has to be given to the coaching staff and the players. Rutgers bothered Wisconsin, repeat after me Rutgers defense bothered Wisconsin a top 15 team and made them uncomfortable and totally took them out of the rhythm...FLUMMOXED...seems like the appropriate word. Changing defenses, every guy playing their man, it was pretty much the best defensive performance in years.
The word is out, Rutgers is not an easy out anymore. They will play great defense , they will rebound, they will fight and claw and give great effort. Unfortunately they cannot shoot. Today was prime example, this was a game where RU could have been up double digits but couldnt get anything going in half court and seemed to only go on runs scoring points. Foul shooting continued to be a struggle and more importantly were misses late, though in fairness Wisconsin shot them equally as poorly. RU just is not equipped to be able to pull out this game. I do not think it was a case of RU blowing the game but moreso Wisconsin stayed the course and were cool as cucumbers down the stretch and executed. Once it got into overtime I think most of us knew the game was over. Just got beat by a better team.
So going forward from here, the only issue of concern is the mindset of the team, Pike has to get this team to shrug this one off and have them in the right frame of mind for a very winnable game against a young and vulnerable Iowa squad who is struggling including Jok who may not be 100%. If RU can keep their head on straight and give another effort like today, they will likely pull the win out at the RAC, if not..... better days ahead but this is the foundation, the staff can coach, we just need better talent and guys who can shoot.
