Feb. 18, 2017
Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. - Rutgers (13-15, 2-13) held a four-point lead with under three minutes to play, but was unable to complete the upset in 69-65 loss to Northwestern (20-7, 9-5) at a sold-out Welsh-Ryan Arena Saturday night. Four Scarlet Knights scored in double digits in RU's 12th game over 17 contests versus an opponent that has been ranked or receiving votes this season.
"I'm proud of our guys," Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. "Northwestern had to have this win. We missed some timely free throws that hurt us, but we outrebounded them and played our hearts out in a tough environment."
Corey Sanders paced Rutgers with 17 points, followed by Nigel Johnson, who was 3-of-6 behind the arc to contribute 16. Freshman Eugene Omoruyi scored a career-high 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. C.J. Gettys also added 10 points, while tying his season-high with nine rebounds.
The Scarlet Knights established a 39-31 advantage on the boards, their 10th time in 15 Big Ten games to earn the edge on the glass. Free throws, however, once again proved problematic. RU was 6-of-12 from the line, while the Wildcats made 16-of-21 attempts.
"We've come a long way," said Pikiell. "We just need to make a couple plays down the stretch and, again, make some free throws. We have to play perfect basketball."
It was a back-and-forth affair early, with Rutgers holding a 17-14 lead halfway through the first frame. The Wildcats responded with a 9-0 run for a 23-17 lead and extended their advantage to 36-29 at the final media timeout. Rutgers scored seven of the last 10 points of the half and was within one possession at the break, 39-36.
In the second half, a 7-0 run helped Rutgers to a 47-43 lead with 13 minutes remaining. The Scarlet Knights opened the frame on a 13-5 run overall.
The defense stepped up, holding the Wildcats without a basket for over seven minutes during that stretch. In the first 12 minutes of the half, the Scarlet Knights outscored the home team 16-7, holding the Wildcats to 25 percent shooting.
Northwestern cut its deficit to 54-51 on a three-pointer from Gavin Skelly with six minutes to play. A three-pointer launched from way behind the arc by Johnson swished through the hoop to put the Scarlet Knights ahead, 59-55, with 3:46 to play.
An even game continued down the stretch. Rutgers' lead was 63-59 with under three minutes to play, but Northwestern cut it to one point with another three from Skelly. NU then retook the lead for good with a three-pointer from Bryant McIntosh with one minute to play.
Northwestern made four of its final five attempts from the charity stripe to ensure its program-record tying 20th victory.
The Scarlet Knights return home to host Michigan on Wednesday. That game will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. on BTN.
Postgame Notes
The contest marked RU's 11th game away from the RAC over 17 contests.
Rutgers has out-rebounded its opponent in 10 of 15 conference games.
Eugene Omoruyi had a career-high 10 points
Corey Sanders scored in double-figures for the 19th time this season and the 41st time in his career.
Nigel Johnson scored in double-figures for the 18th time this season and the 28th time in his career.
C.J. Gettys tied his season-high with nine rebounds. He scored in double-figures for the 12th time this season and the 20th time in his career.
Northwestern now leads the all-time series 8-1.
