The Rutgers Scarlet Knights entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 7 seed and were matched up against No. 10 Indiana in the first round Thursday night. Rutgers swept the home and home series again the Hoosiers during the regular season and looked to continue that success and advance.
The game was sloppy at times and neither team shot the ball particularly well. However, Rutgers was able to use a solid defensive effort and some clutch shooting to top Indiana 61-50 and move on to the quarterfinals.
The Scarlet Knights held Indiana to 18 points in the second half. The Hoosiers did not make a field goal in the final 9:50 on the game and Rutgers finished on a 14-2 run.
Ron Harper Jr. (13 points, 11 rebounds) and Myles Johnson 10 points, 13 rebounds) each finished with a double-double for the Knights. Jacob Young added 13 points while Paul Mulcahy added 10. Johnson was also solid defensively with three blocks.
Mulcahy Clutch in First Big Ten Tournament Action
Mulcahy, a sophomore playing in his first postseason game, hit back-to-back three pointers from the corner, giving Rutgers a 55-48 lead with five minutes to play. The Scarlet Knights held on from there and remained in control the final stretch of the game.
It was the second time this season Rutgers held a conference opponent to 50 points or less.
The Scarlet Knights advance to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals where they will face No. 2 seed Illinois, tip-off scheduled for approximately 6:30pm.
- Rutgers Women's Basketball Officially Adds 'Rare Talent' Kiyomi McMiller - April 18, 2024
- Jersey Native Sets ACC Freshman Scoring Record - February 29, 2024
- Rutgers Spring Sports Off To Fast Start - February 12, 2024
