Box Score
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Despite 21 points from senior forward Kadeem Jack, Rutgers (10-21, 2-16) fell to Michigan (15-15, 8-10), 79-69, on Saturday afternoon at Crisler Arena. The Wolverines made 14 three-pointers to outscore an RU offense that shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57).
The Scarlet Knights out-rebounded the Wolverines by a 33-25 margin, by were unable to overcome UM's 45.2 percent (14-of-31) performance from behind the arc, as the hosts dished-out 20 assists on 29 made field goals (29-of-57, 50.9%).
Jack, who shot 10-of-16, was supplemented by junior guard Bishop Daniels, who added 11 points.
RU jumped out to a 9-6 lead early on, with Junior Etou scoring five quick points, and Rutgers making four of its first five shots from the field. Jack scored six points in the first 5:30 of the game, bringing RU within one at 14-13.
Michigan responded with a 12-4 run, extending its advantage to 26-17. RU crept closer, but the Wolverines answered with another 12-4 run to take a 41-24 lead.
Michigan caught fire in the first half from behind the arc, knocking down nine three-pointers (52.9 percent from 3-point distance). After hitting their ninth triple of the half on their final possession, the Wolverines had a 47-28 lead at intermission.
Jack and Etou were responsible for most of the RU offense in the first frame. Jack (12 points on 6-of-9 shooting) and Etou (9 points) combined for 21 of the team's 28 points. Michigan shot 60 percent from the field in the stanza and had just one turnover with 13 assists.
As the second half started, Jack tried to spark the Scarlet Knights, scoring six quick points, but Michigan responded with more three-point shooting. The Wolverines pushed their lead to 60-36, but the visitors responded by making their next four shots. Again the Maize and Blue responded from long range, knocking down three triples to key a quick 11-1 spurt.
Rutgers made a late push, going on a 16-0 run spurred by three-pointers from Malick Kone and Mike Williams, as well as six points from D.J. Foreman, to try and claw back into the game. Michigan closed out the Scarlet Knights down the stretch, however,to clinch the victory on senior day.
Next up for Rutgers is the Big Ten Tournament, held at the United Center in Chicago, Ill. Rutgers will be the No. 14 seed in the tournament, and will play the No. 11 seed at approximately 6 p.m. (CT) on BTN on Wednesday, March 11. The opponent will be determined at the conclusion of the regular season on Sunday evening.
Postgame Notes
· Kadeem Jack finished with a team-high 21 points. He scored in double figures for the 18th time this season and 50th time in his career.
· Jack reached the 20-point plateau for the 5th time this season, and ninth in his career. It was his highest scoring output since scoring 20 in the win over No. 4 Wisconsin on Jan. 11.
· Jack made a season-high 10 field goals.
· Bishop Daniels had 11 points. It was his 10th game this season reaching double digits.
· Junior Etou had nine points and seven rebounds. He led the team in rebounding for the 17th time this season.
·Mike Williams tied his career-highs with five rebounds and three assists.
