Anatomy of a Comeback
Feb 10 | Men's Basketball
On Sunday night at The RAC, a historic season for the Scarlet Knights added another highlight. Rutgers had its biggest comeback victory in 24 years, overcoming an 18-point first half deficit to rally for a comeback victory in overtime against Northwestern.
The Wildcats had the better of play in the opening half, taking advantage of six three-pointers in the opening frame. At halftime, the visitors led 38-27.
In the second half, the Scarlet Knights faced tough odds, but never quit. With 7:47 left in the game, Northwestern’s lead was 14 at 62-48, and Rutgers had just a 10.5 percent probability of winning.
It was at that point that a switch flipped and the Scarlet Knights mounted a furious comeback. The shooting picked up, with RU making 13 of its final 22 shots (59%) over the final 13 minutes of action. That included a stretch of six straight makes as RU was able to even the score at 66-66 on a Geo Baker step back three-pointer with 1:15 remaining, which would enable the game to go to an extra session.
To spur the comeback, captain Geo Baker carried the squad with a sensational performance. He scored 23 points in the second half and overtime. He provided RU with seven points in the overtime, with the team taking their first lead of the day in the period. Baker scored 12 of RU’s final 16 points of the game to seal the victory.
Baker’s final line was spectacular. He posted 25 points, six rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes of action, and did not commit a single turnover.
Over the final 13 minutes, Rutgers finished the game on a 29-9 run. The comeback was the largest since Damon Santiago hit an off-balance 3-pointer at the buzzer as RU overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to win, 71-70, at Pittsburgh on Feb. 21, 1996.
With the victory, RU improved to a nation-best 16-0 at home this season. The win was the eighth in conference play, Rutgers’ most conference wins since the 2001-02 season.
We figured out a way to get a gritty win. I think it says a lot when you're down 18 to anybody and you're able to claw your way back.Head Coach Steve Pikiell
Per usual, The RAC was ELECTRIC tonight. Rutgers Nation is the BEST??
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) February 10, 2020
16-0. Best home record in the country.
???? #GardenStatement pic.twitter.com/fqTVjgQN9O
