Men's Hoops Meets Ohio State in B1G Championship
Mar 05 | Men's Basketball
| Rutgers vs. Ohio State (Big Ten Tournament) | |
| Date | Wednesday, March 8 |
| Time | 7 p.m. |
| Location | Verizon Center | Washington D.C. |
| TV | Big Ten Network (Kevin Kugler, play-by-play; Shon Morris analyst; Mike Hall, courtside reporter) |
| Radio | Rutgers IMG Sports Radio Network - WCTC 1450 AM & WOR 710 AM |
| Tickets | Ticket Information |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| Game Notes | Rutgers | Ohio State |
| Big Ten Tournament | Tournament Central | Bracket |
| Media Guide | Rutgers |
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers (14-17, 3-15) is the No. 14 seed in the 2017 Big Ten Championship and will play No. 11 seeded Ohio State (17-14, 7-11) in a 7 p.m. tip-off on Wednesday at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The winner of the opening round match-up will advance to meet No. 6 seeded Northwestern at approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday.
One of the nation's most improved teams, Rutgers has doubled its win total from 2015-16 (7-25) under first-year head coach Steve Pikiell. The Scarlet Knights, who have the second most difficult conference schedule in the Big Ten according to Ken Pom, concluded the regular season with a 62-59, come-from-behind, Senior Day victory over Illinois on Saturday.
"We have come a long way," said Pikiell after the win. "We are not the most talented team in the league, so we have come a long way in chemistry, team defense and rebounding. Today we had good leadership on the floor."
Rutgers is third nationally in offensive rebounds-per-game (14.61) and 10th in overall rebounds (40.42) to lead the Big Ten in both categories. RU out-rebounded its Conference foes in 11 of 18 games, after winning the boards in just three league contests last season.
Ten of RU's last 15 games, including six of its past eight, have been decided in single digits. Last season, 15 of 17 conference losses were by double digits.
Wednesday evening's game will be televised on BTN, with Kevin Kugler calling the action, Shon Morris providing commentary and Mike Hall offering courtside analysis. On the radio, the contest will be broadcast live on the Rutgers IMG Sports Network, WOR 710 AM in New York & WCTC 1450 AM in New Brunswick. Jerry Recco will serve as play-by-play announcer and Joe Boylan will provide commentary. WRSU (88.7 FM) will also broadcast the game.
Pikiell has 14-10 record in conference tournament action as a head coach for the last 11 seasons at Stony Brook. He directed the Seawolves to the Championship finals in each of the past three seasons, including a title victory in 2015-16, and had a 7-2 tournament record in that span.
Rutgers is 0-2 in Big Ten Tournament play. Last season, the Scarlet Knights suffered an 89-72 loss to Nebraska at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. In 2015, RU dropped an 80-68 decision to Minnesota at the United Center in Chicago.
Wednesday evening's contest will mark the sixth meeting on the collegiate hardwood between RU and Ohio State, with the Buckeyes holding a 4-1 advantage, including four straight victories. On Feb. 8, Rutgers overcame a 12-point second half deficit to tie the game with 79 seconds remaining, but was unable to complete the upset in a 70-64 loss at Value City Arena. Corey Sanders led the Scarlet Knights with 17 points and Deshawn Freeman had his 10th double-double of the season, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Ohio State, under the leadership of 13th-year head coach Thad Matta, concluded its regular season with a 96-92 home loss to Indiana on Saturday after back-to-back wins over Wisconsin and Penn State. The Buckeyes were receiving votes in the polls for six consecutive weeks this season. Wednesday's opening round tilt will mark the 15th time over 21 games that the Scarlet Knights meet an opponent that has been ranked or receiving votes this season.
