EAST LANSING, Mich. – No. 15/14 Rutgers men's basketball (7-3, 3-3) dropped a defensive battle by the final score of 68-45 to No. 23 Michigan State (8-3, 2-3) on Tuesday night at the Breslin Center. The Scarlet Knights forced 18 turnovers, but were unable to generate enough offensively in the contest.
MSU started with an 11-4 run. Rutgers took advantage of its defense early, forcing eight turnovers in the first eight minutes. The Scarlet Knights forced 14 turnovers in the first half, but trailed by six at the intermission.
In the second half, MSU expanded their lead into double-digits at 41-30. The Scarlet Knights continued to claw back, but were unable to cut into the deficit.
"We didn't play well tonight," head coach
Steve Pikiell said. "You have to give Michigan State a ton of credit, they were great and Coach Izzo had them ready. You have to play better on the road in a league like this. You have to battle in this league, that's what this league is. We need to make sure that we bounce back."
The Scarlet Knights return home to The RAC on Saturday. They will host Ohio State at noon on Big Ten Network. Brandon Gaudin and Stephen Bardo will be on the call.
Postgame Notes
- Rutgers forced 18 MSU turnovers. It was the most turnovers Rutgers has forced in a Big Ten game under Steve Pikiell.
- It was a season-high in turnovers and most since forcing 21 last December against Lafayette.
- The Scarlet Knights had 13 steals - also the most ever under Steve Pikiell in a Big Ten game.
- Ron Harper Jr. scored 13 points. He has scored double-figures in every game this season.
- Jacob Young scored in double-figures for the ninth straight game.
- Geo Baker moved into 31st place all-time at Rutgers in scoring and eighth all-time in assists.
