PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Another ranked opponent, another victory for the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers and head coach Steve Pikiell defeated No. 12 Illinois 70-59 in a game where they never trailed at Jersey Mike's Arena on Wednesday night. Rutgers opened the game scoring on 7 of the first 9 possessions, using a 9-0 run for a 17-7 lead. The Scarlet Knights led by as much as 13 (24-11) in the opening half and as much as 23 in the game.

The win marked five ranked wins on the season, the most ranked wins in one season in program history and four-straight wins over ranked teams, extending RU's program-record streak of consecutive wins over ranked teams.

RU now has a (5-0) record in games against ranked Big Ten teams this season (No. 1 Purdue, No. 12 Illinois, No. 13 Michigan State, No. 14 Wisconsin, No. 16 Ohio State). The Scarlet Knights now hold a (5-1) record this year against ranked teams, with the lone loss at No. 23/25 Seton Hall.

"These guys take a lot of pride and have all gotten better," Pikiell said. "All these guys on the stage. Cliff (Omoruyi) was awesome tonight, Paul (Mulcahy) just continues to run our team. Caleb (McConnell), I don't know, what do you have? It seemed like you had 100 steals. He just continues to take on that role of being a great defender. I think they're all defending and playing hard and that's what we need to do. It's a blue collar group and they play that way but they practice well every day. I told you guys I like this team and I think you're starting to see that they get along great. They share the game the right way."

The victory was the 13^th ranked win under Pikiell. Four consecutive conference wins for Rutgers is the Big Ten's longest active winning streak.  



Rutgers holds wins over the top five teams in the current Big Ten standings, and the top seven non-Rutgers teams. Rutgers' 10^th Big Ten win of the year represents the third straight season winning double-digit conference games.  

On Wednesday night, Rutgers became the first team in NCAA Division I college basketball with wins in four consecutive games coming over ranked teams since Michigan State did so to close out the 2019-20 season.

RU improved to (13-2) at home this season and (41-7) at home during the last three seasons. RU also improved to (14-1) this season when holding teams to 65 points or less. 

Rutgers became the first unranked team in NCAA history to played four straight regular season games against ranked teams and win all four. 

Junior guard Paul Mulcahy scored double-digit points for the fifth straight game. Prior to this season, he only had six total games of 10-plus points.

Junior center Cliff Omoruyi had his fifth double-double of the season, with 15 points and 13 rebounds. 

"He's just getting better and throw the tape on from last year and look at how far he's come defensively," Pikiell said. " He plays outstanding defense and playing an elite player. I thought we did a great job on him. He had 20 points and 10 rebounds and I really did put that to work. Every single guy came back better and you're starting to see the work that they come in and they come ready. They come ready to practice and they prepare the right way. Cliff's best days are ahead of him."

Senior Caleb McConnell moved past Corey Sanders/Jeff Greer for 11^th place all-time at RU in steals. McConnell had his fourth straight-game against a ranked opponent with 4-plus steals. Prior to this season, he only had 2 career games with four or more steals 

Senior forward Ron Harper Jr.  moved past Jeff Greer for sole possession of 16^th place all-time in points in program history. Harper Jr. exited the game in the final minutes with an injury to his hand and did not return to action.