Feb. 27, 2016 USATSI Gallery 
box score 
Evanston, Ill. - Playing its third road game over four dates, Rutgers (6-23, 0-16) dropped at 98-59 decision to Northwestern (18-11, 6-10) on Saturday afternoon at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Freshman Jonathan Laurent posted 17 points, with 11 coming at the charity stripe, to pace the Scarlet Knights in the scoring column.
"I'm disappointed that our guards didn't set the tone for us to stay organized, to get over screens and to contain the basketball," said head coach Eddie Jordan. "We just didn't do a good job at either end with enough energy or intelligence to be in the game.
"We have to be accountable for at least playing hard. There are probably two times this year that I can say that there was a game we didn't play hard in. We give great effort…and that's what we hang our hat on. Today we didn't do that and this is what happens."
Graduate student Omari Grier joined Laurent in double figures with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc.
The Wildcats made 54 percent (37-of-69) of their field goal attempts and an impressive 61 percent (17-of-28) from three-point range to earn the decisive victory. Thirty-three of the home squad's 37 field goals came via an assist.
Rutgers shot 34 percent (16-of-47) overall and made 6-of-17 from behind the arc, while being out-rebounded 45-25. As a result of the discrepancy, RU was out-scored 34-16 in the paint and 22-7 in second chance points.
Northwestern made seven of its initial 11 field goal attempts, include 4-of-5 three-pointers, to jump out to a 19-4 lead and never looked back. The Wildcats shot 69 percent (9-of-13) from behind the arc in the opening 20 minutes to take a 48-18 advantage into the locker room at the midpoint.
The Wildcats continued to tweak the twine and extend their lead in the second half. Northwestern built its advantage to as much as 41 points before earning the 39-point victory.
Tre Demps scored 24 points, making 6-of-8 three-pointers, to lead five Wildcats in double figures.
Rutgers concludes its regular season with consecutive home games. The Scarlet Knights host No. 6/7 Michigan State in a 7 p.m. tip-off on Wednesday. The game will be televised on BTN.
Game Notes
- Jonathan Laurent scored in double figures for the ninth time this season. He has led the Scarlet Knights in scoring three of the past four games.
- Laurent attempted a career-high 14 free throws, making a career-best 11. Both signaled game highs for a Rutgers player this season.
- Laurent had a team-best six boards to lead Rutgers in rebounding for the fourth time this season and the third time in the past four games.
- Senior guard Bishop Daniels had six assists, his fourth game this season with five or more helpers and the sixth of his career.
- Redshirt freshman Ibrahima Diallo saw his first game action since George Washington (Dec.12), missing 18 contests with a foot injury. He played 18 minutes, scoring three points and grabbing two rebounds.
- Senior forward Greg Lewis returned to the starting lineup after missing the last contest at Minnesota due to a foot injury. Despite his return, the Scarlet Knights were limited to 11 players, including eight on scholarship. RU was without the services of guard Corey Sanders (16.2 ppg, 4.1 apg), forward Deshawn Freeman (13.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and center Shaquille Doorson.
- Rutgers used its 13th different starting lineup of the season: Daniels, guard Mike Williams, guard Justin Goode, Laurent and Lewis.
- Northwestern now leads the all-time series 6-1.
