Rutgers
Minnesota
MBB Eliminated from B1G Tournament
Mar 11 | Men's Basketball
Video: Dunk by Bishop Daniels
CHICAGO, Ill. - Playing in their final game in Scarlet, seniors Kadeem Jack and Myles Mack, scored 18 and 15 points, respectively, but Rutgers (10-22, 2-16) dropped an 80-68 decision to Minnesota (18-14, 6-12) on Wednesday evening at the United Center in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Junior guard Bishop Daniels contributed 15 points, all in the second half, in the hard-fought defeat.
The Scarlet Knights established a 37-32 rebounding advantage en route to a 15-10 edge in second chance points. The Gophers, however, shot 51.7 percent (30-of-58) and had a 19-9 advantage in bench points to earn the victory.
The Scarlet Knights got off to a hot start, with Junior Etou knocking down a three-pointer on the first possession, and Mack following with a layup for a quick 5-0 lead. Minnesota clawed back before Jack scored six straight for RU, pushing the No. 14 seed ahead of the No. 11 seed, 15-12.
D.J. Foreman came in off the bench and was an immediate contributor. On consecutive possessions, he grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a putback, pushing the Rutgers advantage to 19-14.
Rutgers then went cold from the field, experiencing a five minute scoring drought. The defense remained stout, and Minnesota held just a slim 22-19 lead before Lewis knocked down a jumper to add to the tally.
The Gophers pushed ahead 26-21, but the Scarlet Knights had another counter. RU rattled off five straight points, capped by a Mack three-pointer to tie the game at 26.
Minnesota held a slim 30-27 edge heading into the locker room at halftime. Rutgers touted a 22-19 rebounding edge and an 11-4 advantage in second chance points over the opening 20 minutes.
RU came out of the locker room strong, using a 7-2 burst to start the half that was keyed by a Mack three-pointer to take a 34-32 lead. Minnesota countered by pushing the pace. The Scarlet Knights made six consecutive free throws trying to cut the gap, but the Gophers completed a 22-8 run to go in front 54-42.
The Scarlet Knights were looking for a spark, and found one from Daniels, who completed a highlight reel slam dunk. Mack made a play on the defensive end, coming up with a steal and scoring the layup on a fast break. A basket from Jack followed to complete a 7-0 run that got RU back within four points at 56-52.
Rutgers battled hard down the stretch as the Gophers tried to pull away. Mike Williams and Mack hit threes down the stretch, but Minnesota closed out the 12-point victory.
POSTGAME NOTES
Ā· Kadeem Jack led the team with 18 points. It was his 20th game this season scoring in double figures and 11th time pacing the squad in scoring.
Ā· Jack recorded his 100th career block.
Ā· Myles Mack had 15 points, his 22nd double-digit scoring game this season.
Ā· Mack finishes his career with 1,658 points (seventh all-time in Rutgers history), 425 assists (fourth all-time), 211 steals (second all-time), and 239 three-pointers (fourth all-time).
Ā· It is the 14th time this season both Mack and Jack scored in double figures in a game.
Ā· Mack had a team-high four steals, the fourth time this year he has picked up for or more steals and the first time against Big Ten opposition.
Ā· Bishop Daniels scored 15 points, all in the second half. It was his 10th double-digit scoring output.
Ā· Junior Etou had a team-high nine rebounds, his 18th time leading the team in rebounding.
Ā· D. J. Foreman tied his career high with eight rebounds.
Ā· The same three players also scored in double figures in the only other meeting with Minnesota this year (Jack-19; Daniels-13; Mack-26).
