Rutgers 1976, the "Forgotten Team"

[knightfan7]

That's what ESPN's Jonathan Coachman called the Scarlet Knights when going over the history of undefeated teams who lost in the Final 4.

I think while there's some truth to that, RU doesn't get mentioned less than Houston in 1968 but it does get less pub than '91 UNLV. Probably more to do with it being almost 40 years ago. Also Indiana was undefeated and they won it all in '76.

 

[Shoeless Joe #1]

agreed as the sports authorities they should know the history of the sport they are covering.

 

[WJLeggett]

I think the fact that Indiana went undefeated and won the title that year takes away some of the light on Rutgers. Also, they went on to lose 2 games at the Final Four.

If there were ever a year when 2 teams arrived at the Final Four undefeated I am sure RU would get plenty of publicity.

 

[Shoeless Joe #1]

SEC Network gave Rutgers some respect

 

[srru86]

Seems Brendan Prunty is doing well.

NY Times
Rutgers, That Other Unbeaten Team in the 1976 Final Four

 

[Loyal_2RU]

Nice article. One error. Jammin James wasn't Jammin James until his sophomore year when teh dunk was restored.
Loyal

 

[Scarletnut]

I wonder how many Final Fours had 2 unbeaten teams?

 

[Knights 1212]

I think 1976 was the only time it ever happened.