Chris IsemanNorthJersey.com
PISCATAWAY – Rutgers’ final regular-season game looked like many of the ones that came before it.
Not enough offense, not enough scoring.
And it all led to another loss.
The Scarlet Knights hung around with Ohio State until about midway through the second half, when the Buckeyes began pulling away for a 73-51 victory Sunday at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
The result depicted two teams that have been heading in opposite directions – Rutgers lost six of its final seven regular-season games, while Ohio State, which fired former head coach Chris Holtman, won five of its final seven and is hoping for a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Rutgers, which was again without its best defender in Mawot Mag, finished the regular season with a 15-16 record, including a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play. Barring a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, which at this point seems unlikely, the Scarlet Knights are on the outside looking in for the NIT.
Sunday’s showing didn’t help.
They shot just 27.3 percent from the field. They went 4-of-18 from beyond the perimeter.
They also went just 17-of-28 from the free-throw line.
"Even in the first half, when we were missing looks, I just thought we could hang in there," coach Steve Pikiell said. "But our energy changed in the second half. It's been perplexing to me the whole year that we shoot 12th in the country in free-throw percentages, and at home we don't make free throws. That hurt us down the stretch."
Aundre Hyatt led Rutgers with 11 points, while Cliff Omoruyi added 10 points and seven rebounds. He fouled out with about seven minutes remaining.
It was another ugly offensive display for the Scarlet Knights – one that signaled Dylan Harper, who was on hand for this game, and Ace Bailey can’t get in a Scarlet Knights uniform fast enough.
Rutgers got off to a poor shooting start, missing its first 11 shots until a dunk by Emmanuel Ogbole snapped the drought at the 12:32 mark.
Ohio State at one point took a 10-poind lead, but Rutgers climbed back and went into halftime trailing just 30-28.
But the Buckeyes began pulling away in the second half.
They went up double digits with about 14 minutes to play, and the game wasn’t close after that.
"When we weren't making layups or free throws in the second half," Pikiell said, "it affected us obviously."
FIVE TAKEAWAYS
1. Guard play not good enough
Starting guards Austin Williams and Noah Fernandes went a combined 1-of-7 shooting for six points, all by Fernandes.
Derek Simpson was 0-of-4 in 20 minutes. Jamichael Davis finished 2-of-9 for six points in 25 minutes.
Rutgers just didn’t get enough from any of its guards.
2. First losing regular season in five years
Finishing 15-16 marked the first time the Scarlet Knights have had a losing regular season since 2018-19.
Yes, it’s a disappointing finish for Rutgers.
But it does show how much Pikiell has built this program. This type of campaign has been a rare one during his tenure.
3. Give credit to the crowd
Despite the state of Rutgers’ season, the Scarlet Knights faithful once again packed Jersey Mike’s Arena and made it a charged atmosphere for much of the game.
Until Ohio State pulled away and took the air out of the building.
Still, the fans deserve credit for showing up in droves to support a team that isn’t even likely going to make the NIT.
It made for a loud atmosphere early.
"The fans have always been there," Hyatt said. "It doesn't matter how we're playing. The fans are going to come out and show support. They're always loud. Just having their support every game is just amazing. I'm going to miss it a lot."
4. Seniors honored
Rutgers’ seniors were honored during a pre-game ceremony – always a nice tradition, one that highlights their contributions to the program.
Undoubtedly the loudest ovation was for Omoruyi, who came out last to cheers of “one more year” from the student section. Omoruyi has one more year of eligibility left. Muhammad Oliver, Omoruyi’s guardian, told the Asbury Park Press’ Jerry Carino that “We all know the elephant in the room is he has another year of eligibility. That’s probably not going to be used. More than likely he’ll try to pursue a pro career.”
Another nice moment?
Former Scarlet Knights star Ron Harper Jr. accompanied Oskar Palmquist onto the court for the ceremony.
5. Up next
Can Rutgers make some noise in the Big Ten Tournament?
We’re going to find out shortly – the Scarlet Knights will not have a first-round bye and will begin play on Wednesday at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They’ll play the loser of the Penn State and Maryland game that takes place Sunday night in the No. 12 seed vs. No. 13 seed game (it’ll be streamed on Peaco*ck).
