For the first time in program history, Rutgers men's basketball clinched a win against the No.1 team in the nation. The Scarlet Knights defeated Purdue with a "once in a lifetime" shot at half court for a buzzer-beater by Ron Harper Jr. as he surpassed his career high with 30 points. Thursday, December 9 was a game for the books and the sold-out crowd made that known as they rushed the court with wide eyes and racing hearts.
Leading up to this matchup, the Scarlet Knights had been battling themselves through poor defensive skills, slow reaction times and the inability to string together strong enough stops to secure convincing wins. All the while, Head Coach, Steve Pikiell never changed his tune as he continued to promote his boys as good enough, hard working, and a team he is excited to relentlessly stand by.
A slightly new "starting five" was introduced with Omoruyi, Harper Jr, McConnell, Mulcahy, and Mag determined to lead their team towards victory. Immediately, the Scarlet Knights established an energy that was hungry and imposing. As the game progressed, Rutgers brought to the floor many new and young players to help keep the ground fresh and allow for solid speed, striking blocks, and consistent shooting. Harper scored 17 points in the first half to help the Scarlet Knights earn a 36-35 lead at half time.
Rutgers came out fresh and ready for the second half as standout sophmore, Omoruyi drilled a 3 pointer within the first twenty seconds. Shortly after, Purdue closes the small gap and surpasses Rutgers by a score 54-46.
Purdue’s sophomore, Zach Edey uses his 7’4 machine of a body as an utter blocking tool, refusing to allow any penetration from any spot on the court. He controls the floor, ruthlessly sending Omoruyi to the ground and further on a hiatus from game play for longer than the Scarlet Knights could bear. He returns with avengence as he takes a look at the scoreboard, "the trainor was able to crack my neck back in place, so I was like my team needs me, I need to go out there and help", Omoruyi explains.
A few solid shots towards the last two minutes of the game increases Rutgers' chances of running a comeback as the score moves closer at a nerve-wracking, 63-65. This hope becomes even more real when Harper scrambles and creates an opportunity through the opponents legs for Mag to claim a dunk to create a 65-66 deficit with 56.5 seconds left on the clock.
The Scarlet Knights lock in on a play after a small discrepancy regarding a potential and gravely impactful foul, but the call went Rutgers' way and both teams proceeded with passion and grit. Harper turned it up a notch and hit a turnaround jumper in the lane with 13.1 seconds left, giving the Scarlet Knights a lead of 67-66. With an unsettling 3.4 seconds on the clock, Purdue's, Williams' responds with a bank shot for two points.
With the shortcoming of 67-68 and 1.4 seconds on the clock, Harper tapped into a whole lot of confidence, presence of mind, and a little bit of luck to finalize the score with a whopping 3-pointer for 70-68.. Rutgers! He is the hero of last night, today, tomorrow, and everyday leading up to their next game.
Pikiell speaks on his thoughts post thrilling and program-altering outcome, "It took all 40 minutes. I am really proud of these guys and all they accomplished tonight. We were fighting. In this game too, it didn't seem like things were going our way, but we stayed the course and made good plays and made good stops"... "These kids work their tails off and do all the right things".
NEXT UP FOR RUTGERS:
Rutgers faces Seton Hall away at 7:30 p.m on Sunday, December 12. You can watch and support your Scarlet Knights on Fox Sports 1.
- Rutgers WBB Downs Northwestern - February 16, 2023
- Rutgers Out of Sync in Home Loss to Nebraska - February 15, 2023
- Mulcahy Injured Early, Rutgers Holds Off UMass Lowell - November 13, 2022
