Keys to the Game: Rutgers vs Notre Dame (March 16, 2022)

(photo courtesy of Sporting News)

11 Rutgers (18-13; 12-8) vs. 11 Notre Dame (22-10; 15-5)

NCAA Tournament First Four

Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans, players, and coaches alike can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Rutgers has made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the 1970s. This is the Scarlet Knights' eighth appearance overall in the NCAA Tournament. After sweating it out for 48 hours from Friday evening to Sunday evening, Rutgers' name was called in the Field of 68, and they were selected as an 11-seed to take on the 11-seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (22-10; 15-5) in the First Four Game in Dayton, OH (approx. 9:15 PM; TruTV). The winner of this game will meet the 6-seed Alabama Crimson Tide (19-13; 9-9) on Friday in San Diego (approx. 4:15 PM; TNT).

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are an intriguing team, and are a bit different than many of the opponents Rutgers has faced this season. Many writers and analysts across college basketball have mentioned the Fighting Irish lack physicality and athleticism, but have a pretty efficient offense. Fred Gaudios, a writer for the Rutgers SB Nation web site On The Banks, has compared Notre Dame to the Ohio State Buckeyes, an opponent Rutgers has beaten earlier this season. Gaudios compared Ohio State's and Notre Dame's offensive and defensive numbers statistically, and both are appear to very similar (please click here to read Fred Gaudios' article). Despite Notre Dame's lack of physicality and athleticism, Notre Dame does have a few playmakers that will step up and keep the Fighting Irish in the game. If the Fighting Irish get their offense going like a fine tuned oiled machine, Rutgers could be in for serious trouble. 

Rutgers Hoops Insider (RHI) compared Rutgers' tournament resume to other bubble teams, and a few things stand out between both teams resume-wise and statistically:

• Notre Dame has marquee wins over solid opponents, including Kentucky, Miami, and North Carolina. However, Rutgers has more marquee wins, including Purdue, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illiniois, and Indiana.
• Rutgers was rated the most erratic team in the country this year, according to Erik Haslam.
• Notre Dame and Rutgers share victories over Clemson. Notre Dame lost to Indiana while Rutgers beat the Hoosiers.
• Notre Dame is a combined 2-7 against Top 40 NET ranked teams, while Rutgers is 8-6.
• Notre Dame is rated 29th in offensive efficiency, while Rutgers is ranked 107th.
• Notre Dame is rated 84th in defensive efficiency, while Rutgers is ranked 43rd.
• Notre Dame is 19th nationally shooting the ball from deep, while Rutgers is 197th.
• Notre Dame is disciplined and commits less fouls than Rutgers. Rutgers commits a lot of fouls.
• Both teams are good at limiting turnovers.

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Defend the perimeter - It seems like every basketball game RHI mention's the Scarlet Knights must defend the perimeter, but it is absolutely true! In today's modern era college basketball, you live by the three, and you die by the three. Rutgers has faced so many quality opponents this year that are very good a shooting from deep, and many of their opponents have hit back-breaking three-point shots. Notre Dame is a team that loves to shoot from deep. Rutgers is going to have to defend the perimeter like no other. The Fighting Irish are 14-1 when they make 10+ three-point shots in a game. That is a glaring statistic that stands out and Rutgers has to limit any good looks for the Fighting Irish from deep. Nate Laszewski and Dane Goodwin are the Fighting Irish's primary threats from deep. Both are shooting a combined 45% from deep.
2. Pound the rock - Rutgers is at its best when they pound the rock inside. Notre Dame is not a very physical team down low, and Rutgers must keep feeding the ball to Ron Harper Jr. and Cliff Omoruyi down low if they want to have any success. If that option is not available, look for Geo Baker and Paul Mulcahy to drive the lane and force the issue.
3. No slow starts, find good looks, and do not get cold from the field - Rutgers is really good at scoring when they can distribute the ball quickly during fast break situations but Notre Dame is the type of team that wants to limit fast breaks and slow down the tempo of the game. The Scarlet Knights must try to find ways to get good looks at the basket, and not force any bad shots, especially bad shots from deep. Many times during the season, Rutgers finds itself down by a few points, and they start forcing bad shots to get themselves back in the game. Then Rutgers goes on a scoring drought and their opponents take advantage and build leads. Rutgers wants to get off to a good start in this game and not find themselves down by double-digits early. All too often we have seen this team fall behind by double-digits, and Rutgers has to find ways to claw and scratch to get themselves back in the game. Sometimes Rutgers has been successful in coming from behind to win or they have been unsuccessful. Overall, it is a good idea they work for good shots and not fall behind by double-digits.
4. Remain disciplined - Notre Dame is a very good free-throw shooting team. They average about 76 percent from the line, and if Rutgers commits too many fouls, you can bet that Notre Dame will take advantage and hit their free-throws. This past Friday, when Rutgers faced Iowa, Rutgers committed way too many fouls and the Hawkeyes were able to take advantage by going 25 of 27 from the line. That easily tells you Rutgers committed way too many fouls. Rutgers gifted Iowa 25 points from the line by committing 24 fouls. Rutgers also has to be smart and not commit technical fouls. Technical fouls are game changers and momentum killers. Not only does Rutgers' players have to remain mentally focused and disciplined, but Rutgers' bench must be smart. The Scarlet Knights' strength training coach was T'd up twice on Friday and ejected. That is not smart basketball. We all know emotions are riding on this tournament game, but this is a group of experienced players and Rutgers must be disciplined.
5. Play physical and aggressive basketball - Notre Dame is not a physical team. They do not play aggressive basketball. Rutgers is the complete opposite. Rutgers is a very physical and aggressive team. Rutgers has to continue doing what they do best and that is play tough, physical defense and remain aggressive on the boards. Notre Dame is not a good rebounding team, and Rutgers must take advantage. If Rutgers can play clean, tough physical basketball and stay aggressive on the boards, Rutgers will be successful in this game. Look for Harper Jr. to matchup with Paul Atkinson Jr. (12.3 ppg) and Big Ten DPOY Caleb McConnell to guard Blake Wesley (14.6 ppg). 

ADDITIONAL RUTGERS TOURNAMENT COVERAGE:

• Fred Gaudios, On the Banks - "Rutgers has beaten a Big Ten foe with similar profile to Notre Dame" - (Click here to read)
• Aaron Breitman, On the Banks - "NCAA Tournament First Four Game Preview: No. 11 Rutgers vs No. 11 Notre Dame" - (Click here to read)
• Aaron Breitman, On the Banks - "On the Banks Podcast: NCAA Tournament Preview Episode" - (Click here to listen)
• Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press - "Rutgers basketball: Ace recruit Derek Simpson fired up for March Madness" - (Click here to read)
• Dave White, On the Banks - "Unfinished Business: 4 Thoughts on Rutgers NCAA Bid" - (Click here to read)

Rutgers NCAA Tournament resume vs the other bubble teams

 

(photo courtesy of Michael Conroy of NJ Advance Media)

How does Rutgers tournament resume stack up against the other bubble teams?

As Selection Sunday nears, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have one of the most interesting tournament resumes in the country. There are positive and there are negatives. Let's compare the Scarlet Knights' resume to the rest of the bubble teams. (Note: All information is current as of 12 March. Seeding projection is based on BracketMatrix.com.)

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (18-13; 12-8)

• Latest Seed Projection: 12 (Last Four In)
• NET Rankings: 78
• KenPom Rankings: 75
• Sagarin Ratings: 59
• NET SOS: 33
• Home Record: 14-3
• Away Record: 4-9 (includes two Q1 wins)
• Neutral Record: 0-1 (includes Q1 loss)
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 6-6
• Q2: 3-4
• Q3: 4-2
• Q4: 5-1
• Best Wins: Purdue, 12/9; Michigan, 1/4; Maryland, 1/15; Iowa, 1/19; Michigan State, 2/5; Ohio State, 2/9; Wisconsin, 2/12; Illinois, 2/16; Indiana, 3/2
• Bad Losses (Q3/Q4): Lafayette, 11/22; Massachusetts, 11/27
• Interesting note: Rutgers has beaten all of its opponents in the Top 40 of the NET Rankings and Rutgers has wins against eight teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament. This is better than any team considered to be on the Bubble. Rutgers is 8-6 against Top 40 NET teams.

BUBBLE TEAMS -

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (22-10; 15-5)

• Latest Seed Projection: 12 (Last Four In)
• NET Rankings: 52
• KenPom Rankings: 53
• Sagarin Ratings: 53
• NET SOS: 66
• Home Record: 14-1
• Away Record: 7-5
• Neutral Record: 0-4
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 2-7
• Q2: 2-2
• Q3: 11-1
• Q4: 6-0
• Best Wins: Kentucky, 12/11; North Carolina, 1/5; Miami, 2/2; Clemson, 2/12
• Bad Losses: Boston College, 12/3
• Interesting note: Notre Dame is 0-4 on neutral courts to Q1/Q2 teams with losses to St. Mary's, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, and Indiana. Notre Dame is a combined 4-9 against Q1/Q2 teams. Notre is also 2-7 against Top 40 NET teams. Notre Dame played in a very lackluster ACC this year. Duke and UNC are the only two AP ranked teams in the ACC out of 15 teams.

XAVIER MUSKETEERS (18-13; 8-11)

• Latest Seed Projection: 12 (Last Four In)
• NET Rankings: 40
• KenPom Rankings: 60
• Sagarin Ratings: 42
• NET SOS: 36
• Home Record: 13-5
• Away Record: 4-6
• Neutral Record: 1-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 5-8
• Q2: 4-3
• Q3: 4-2
• Q4: 5-0
• Best Wins: Ohio State, 11/18; Virginia Tech, 11/26; Oklahoma State, 12/5; Marquette, 12/18; Creighton, 1/15; Creighton, 1/29; Connecticut, 2/11
• Bad Losses: DePaul, 2/5; Butler, 3/9
• Interesting note: Xavier has lost eight out of their last ten games including two Q3 losses to DePaul and Butler. Seton Hall, Villanova, St. John's, and Providence swept the Xavier this season. Xavier is 3-7 against the Top 40 NET teams.

SOUTHERN METHODIST MUSTANGS (23-7; 13-4)

• Latest Seed Projection: 12 (Last Four In)
• NET Rankings: 42
• KenPom Rankings: 52
• Sagarin Ratings: 39
• NET SOS: 109
• Home Record: 16-0
• Away Record: 6-5
• Neutral Record: 1-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 2-1
• Q2: 4-4
• Q3: 10-1
• Q4: 7-1
• Best Wins: Vanderbilt, 12/4; Dayton, 12/8; Memphis, 1/20; Houston, 2/9; Memphis, 2/20
• Bad Losses: Missouri, 11/21; Loyola Marymount, 11/22
• Interesting note: SMU has only played three Q1 teams the entire season. SMU's best win outside of the American Athletic Conference is Vanderbilt (#66 NET Ranking).

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (22-12; 11-9)

• Latest Seed Projection: First Four Out
• NET Rankings: 30
• KenPom Rankings: 25
• Sagarin Ratings: 31
• NET SOS: 80
• Home Record: 11-4
• Away Record: 7-6
• Neutral Record: 4-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 2-5
• Q2: 6-5
• Q3: 7-2
• Q4: 7-0
• Best Wins: Notre Dame, 1/15; Miami, 2/26; Notre Dame, 3/10; North Carolina, 3/11
• Bad Losses: NC State, 1/4; Boston College, 1/22
• Interesting note: Virginia Tech has solid rankings and ratings across the board, but Virginia Tech lacks quality wins. Virginia Tech's best win on their resume in the Top 40 of the NET is against North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. Notre Dame (#52) and Miami (#63) are outside of the Top 40. Virginia Tech is 1-5 against Top 40 NET teams. Virginia Tech played in a very lackluster ACC this year.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (17-14; 11-9)

• Latest Seed Projection: 11 (Last Four Bye)
• NET Rankings: 34
• KenPom Rankings: 33
• Sagarin Ratings: 25
• NET SOS: 5
• Home Record: 10-5
• Away Record: 5-7
• Neutral Record: 2-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 5-10
• Q2: 3-3
• Q3: 6-1
• Q4: 3-0
• Best Wins: San Diego State, 12/4; Indiana, 1/23; Purdue, 2/10; Iowa, 2/17; Michigan State, 3/1; Ohio State, 3/6
• Bad Losses: Minnesota, 12/11
• Interesting note: Michigan is a very interesting team because their overall record is 17-14. Michigan is 6-11 against Top 40 NET ranked teams.

WYOMING COWBOYS (25-8; 13-5)

• Latest Seed Projection: 11-seed (Last Four Bye)
• NET Rankings: 48
• KenPom Rankings: 58
• Sagarin Ratings: 83
• NET SOS: 90
• Home Record: 13-1
• Away Record: 9-5
• Neutral Record: 2-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 4-5
• Q2: 7-1
• Q3: 3-2
• Q4: 10-0
• Best Wins: Utah State, 1/15; Colorado State, 1/31; Boise State, 2/3; Fresno State, 2/6; Utah State, 2/8; Fresno State, 3/5
• Bad Losses: New Mexico, 2/15
• Interesting note: Wyoming is another interesting team, they have wins against two teams from the Mountain West, Boise State and Colorado State, projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Wyoming has padded their win total with a lot of Q4 opponents and also played an NAIA team on 11/26. Wyoming is 2-5 against Top 40 NET ranked teams.

WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS (23-9; 13-7)

• Latest Seed Projection: First Four Out
• NET Rankings: 45
• KenPom Rankings: 36
• Sagarin Ratings: 47
• NET SOS: 104
• Home Record: 16-2
• Away Record: 5-5
• Neutral Record: 2-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 1-4
• Q2: 4-3
• Q3: 9-2
• Q4: 9-0
• Best Wins: Virginia Tech, 12/4; North Carolina, 1/22; Notre Dame, 2/19
• Bad Losses: Louisville, 12/29; Boston College, 3/9
• Interesting note: Wake Forest has one of the worst rated non-conference schedules in the country of all the teams on the Bubble and lack any quality wins. The Demon Deacons are 2-3 against Top 40 NET ranked teams. The Demon Deacons played in a very lackluster ACC conference.

DAYTON FLYERS (23-10; 14-4)

• Latest Seed Projection: Next Four Out
• NET Rankings: 54
• KenPom Rankings: 54
• Sagarin Ratings: 56
• NET SOS: 118
• Home Record: 13-4
• Road Record: 6-5
• Neutral Record: 4-0
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 3-2
• Q2: 5-3
• Q3: 6-1
• Q4: 9-3
• Best Wins: Miami, 11/25; Kansas, 11/26; Belmont, 11/28; Virginia Tech, 12/12; VCU, 1/5; St. Louis, 1/11; VCU, 2/2; Davidson, 3/5
• Bad Losses: UMass-Lowell, 11/13; Lipscomb, 11/17; Austin Peay, 11/20; LaSalle, 2/26
• Interesting note: While Dayton has some of the best wins all season, they have some really bad losses. Dayton is 2-0 against Top 40 NET ranked teams. Dayton only faced regular season champ Davidson once this season and beat them on 3/5. Dayton swept VCU for the year.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES (23-11; 9-9)

• Latest Seed Projection: First Four Out
• NET Rankings: 51
• KenPom Rankings: 42
• Sagarin Ratings: 55
• NET SOS: 50
• Home Record: 12-4
• Away Record: 5-5
• Neutral Record: 4-2
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 4-9
• Q2: 5-0
• Q3: 5-2
• Q4: 8-0
• Best Wins: Notre Dame, 11/24; Arkansas, 1/8; Florida, 2/15; Alabama, 3/2; Mississippi State, 3/5; Florida, 3/10; Auburn, 3/11, Arkansas, 3/12
• Bad Losses: Missouri, 1/15
• Interesting note: Texas A&M has come alive in the SEC Tournament and have three in a row against Q1 opponents. For much of the season Texas A&M lacked quality wins. The Aggies have padded their record with a slew of Q4 opponents; however, Texas A&M is 5-0 against Q2 opponents. The Aggies are 4-7 against Top 40 NET Ranked teams.

INDIANA HOOSIERS (20-13; 9-11)

• Latest Seed Projection: 11 (Last Four Bye)
• NET Rankings: 38
• KenPom Rankings: 39
• Sagarin Ratings: 29
• NET SOS: 41
• Home Record: 14-4
• Away Record: 3-8
• Neutral Record: 3-0
• Quadrant Record:
• Q1: 4-7
• Q2: 4-4
• Q3: 5-1
• Q4: 7-0
• Best Wins: Notre Dame, 12/18; Ohio State, 1/6; Purdue, 1/20; Michigan, 3/10; Illinois, 3/11
• Bad Losses: None
• Interesting note: Indiana has no bad losses (however, they did lose a Q3 game to Rutgers at home). Indiana was able to earn two more Q1 wins on a neutral floor in the Big Ten Tournament against Michigan and Illinois, otherwise their best wins for the year would have been against Ohio State and Purdue at home.

Bubble watch Saturday

 

(photo courtesy of Michael Conroy of NJ Advance Media)

After falling to Iowa 84-74 in the Big Ten Quarterfinals, Rutgers needs other bubble teams to lose

The 4-seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights lost to the red hot 5-seed Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Quarterfinals on Friday afternoon 84-74. Rutgers Nation eagerly awaits for their name to be called on Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. If Rutgers hears their name called on Sunday, it is likely they will be playing as one of the last four teams in, which means they will earn a 12-seed playing in Dayton.

Aaron Breitman [managing editor of OnTheBanks.com] has done an extraordinary job keeping Rutgers fans updated throughout the week on their status for the NCAA Tournament, including bracket updates, possible scenarios, the case for Rutgers to make the tournament, and who to root for and who not to root for. 

Check out Aaron's article that makes the case as to why Rutgers should be in the NCAA Tournament by clicking here.

Check out Aaron's Bubble Watch updates by clicking here.

BRACKETOLOGY UPDATE 
(as of 12 March; ratings according to BracketMatrix.com)

• The #1 rated bracketologist on BracketMatrix.com CrazySportsDude has Rutgers solidly in the field as an 11-seed.
• The #2 rated bracketologist Delphi has Rutgers out of the field. This bracketologist has not even included Rutgers in the First Four Out.
• #6 rated bracketologist Kevin Pulsifer has Rutgers in the field as an 11-seed but playing Notre Dame in Dayton.
• #17 rated bracketologist Brad Wachtel has Rutgers in the Field of 68 as a 12-seed facing SMU in Dayton.
• #20 rated bracketologist Mike Decourcy [of Fox] has Rutgers in the field as a 12-seed facing Wyoming in Dayton.
• #33 rated bracketologist Andy Katz [of NCAA.com] has Rutgers in the field as a 12-seed playing in Dayton.
• #50 rated bracketologist Joe Lunardi [of ESPN] has Rutgers in the field as an 11-seed facing 6-seed LSU.
• #100 rated bracketologist Jerry Palm [of CBS Sports] has Rutgers out of the field in the First Four Out.

Rutgers trio earns Big Ten Awards

(photo courtesy of Rutgers Athletics)

Caleb McConnell, Ron Harper Jr., and Geo Baker were all selected for Big Ten awards

Caleb McConnell, Ron Harper Jr., and Geo Baker were all selected for Big Ten awards for the 2021-22 season. Caleb McConnell made history as the first Scarlet Knight to ever earn the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. McConnell was also selected to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. Ron Harper Jr. was selected to the second-team All Big Ten, while Geo Baker was selected to the third-team All Big Ten. 

Caleb McConnell helped lead the Scarlet Knights defensively throughout the entire season and put up remarkable numbers. McConnell led the Big Ten with a total of 43 steals, 11 blocks, 2.2 steals per game, 86 defensive rebounds, and 4.3 defensive rebounds per game during 20 Big Ten regular season games. 

The highlight of Caleb McConnell's season was when he averaged at least 4 steals per game during the Scarlet Knights improbable four-game winning streak over four ranked Big Ten teams, including Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. Caleb McConnell's block against Ohio State in the closing minutes is attributed to spurring Rutgers with a magical comeback that led them to victory over the Buckeyes.

Caleb McConnell is also one of ten finalists for the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, a national award for college basketball's best defensive player. He is the only player from the Big Ten nominated this season.

(photo courtesy of USA Today)

Ron Harper Jr. who has had a wonderful season for Rutgers was selected to the second-team All Big Ten. Harper Jr. averaged 15.7 points per game, 44% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 6 rebounds per game during the Big Ten season. Harper Jr.'s highlights include a last second heave from near mid-court which upset then ranked #1 Purdue, and his three-point shot from deep that silenced a wild Assembly Hall crowd with 2 seconds left as Rutgers upset Indiana. 

(photo courtesy of USA Today)

Geo Baker was selected to the third-team All Big Ten. Baker averaged 12 points per game, 3.9 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game. After the massive block by Caleb McConnell, Geo Baker was the catalyst that led Rutgers to a comeback victory over Ohio State. 

All three are deserving of their awards, and will forever be remembered in the hearts of Rutgers fans. They will go down as legends at Rutgers. There are too many special moments to share with these players. This has been a unique season filled with many special moments, and we can only hope we can see many more special moments from them come NCAA Tournament time and before their time is up on The Banks.

For more information on these awards please visit the articles listed below.

Bracketology: Where is Rutgers currently projected in the field of 68?

Where is Rutgers currently projected for 2022 NCAA Tournament?

After an historic four-game winning streak against four ranked opponents and two critical wins during the month of February and early March at the end of the regular season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (18-12; 12-8) find themselves as a 4-seed heading into the Big Ten Tournament. But, will this be enough for the Scarlet Knights to receive another at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament? Many bracketologists and analysts across college basketball believe it is enough for Rutgers to make the NCAA Tournament.

Currently, the Scarlet Knights are ranked #76 in the NET Rankings, #73 in the KenPom ratings, and #59 in the Sagarin Ratings. Despite Rutgers being #76 in the NET, analysts and fans across the country believe Rutgers has broken the system. The NET is a tool the NCAA Tournament Committee uses to evaluate teams worthy of a shot at an at-large bid into the tournament. Rutgers is currently 6-5 against Q1 opponents; 3-4 against Q2 opponents; 4-2 against Q3 opponents; and 5-1 against Q4 opponents. Rutgers has a solid record against Q1 opponents and they have more Q1 wins than many other teams projected to make the tournament, including Houston who is #5 in the NET with only one Q1 win. 

Brad Wachtel, of Facts and Bracks, stated on Twitter: "As of today, Rutgers (76 NET) is still considered a Q3 "bad loss" for Wisconsin and Indiana. I think the NET needs some offseason tweaking." Analysts and fans across the country share the same frustration, and believe the NET needs to be fixed. Despite a bad Q4 loss to Lafayette, Rutgers has beaten some of the best teams in the country this season, and it's almost as if the Q4 loss is weighing them down. A loss to Rutgers for Wisconsin and Indiana should not show up a stain on their resumes because the Scarlet Knights are actually a very good team, finishing fourth in the Big Ten regular season standings.

Rutgers is a solid team, with a few bruises on its resume, but they have turned it around and are now on the cusp of receiving a possible at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Rutgers awaits the winner of 5-seed Iowa vs 12-seed Northwestern/13-seed Nebraska on Friday, March 11th (2 PM, BTN). If Rutgers were to face Iowa (Q1) on Friday, a loss would not hurt their standing; however, if Rutgers faces either Northwestern (Q2) or Nebraska (Q3) and lose, a loss could be potentially damaging to their NCAA Tournament chances. 

According to Bracket Matrix as of 7 March, Rutgers is currently projected to make the Field of 68 in at least 103 brackets out of 132. 

Popular bracketologists like Joe Lunardi of ESPN (rated 55 on Bracket Matrix) have Rutgers in the field as a 10-seed. Jerry Palm of CBS Sports (rated 100 on Bracket Matrix) has Rutgers in as a 12-seed and playing in Dayton as one of the "Last Four In". Mike Decourcy of Fox Sports (rated 20 on Bracket Matrix) has Rutgers in as an 11-seed. Brad Wachtel of Facts and Bracks (rated 15 on Bracket Matrix) has Rutgers in the field as a 12-seed playing in the "Last Four In". Many other bracketologists on Bracket Matrix have either projected Rutgers as a 12-seed or 11-seed (mean average of a 12-seed).

For more bracketology projections please visit BracketMatrix.com by clicking here.

Rutgers prevails, earns double-bye for Big Ten Tournament

(photo courtesy of Andrew Mills of NJ Advance Media)

Rutgers beats Penn State, while both Ohio State and Iowa lose giving the Scarlet Knights a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament

It wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty, but the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (18-12; 12-8) found a way to win against their rival the Penn State Nittany Lions (12-16; 7-13), and continue their historic run at an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. Victories under Steve Pikiell are never pretty, and that's because he likes to win ugly. Aaron Breitman, managing editor of On The Banks, stated "Rutgers wins on Senior Day with perfect ending". Breitman alluded to Rutgers winning with a "perfect ending" because once again, the Scarlet Knights overcame adversity and defied all odds. 

A lot of emotion was swirling around before and after the game because it was Senior Day at The RAC. This was the last time Rutgers nation got to see Geo Baker, Ron Harper Jr., and Caleb McConnell suit up in action at The RAC. Hours before tip-off, as reported by Brian Fonseca of NJ Advance Media, students waited in long lines for student tickets to see this trio play one last time. Just hours before tip-off, Rutgers cheap seats were listed for over $300 each on StubHub. After all was said and done, The RAC was packed to the gills (official attendance of 8,399) to send-off these Rutgers legends one last time in superb fashion.

Once again, the Scarlet Knights were under immense pressure to win their last game of the regular season against Penn State. There were three main things that hung in the balance and why it was necessary for Rutgers to beat Penn State:

• A must-win against Penn State (Q3). A loss to Penn State would have likely ended Rutgers chances of receiving an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.
• A chance for 4th place in the Big Ten final regular season standings. Since joining the league Rutgers has never finished in 4th place in the conference. From 2015 to 2018, Rutgers finished at the bottom in 14th place. In 2019, Rutgers finished in 12th place. In 2020, Rutgers finished in 8th place. Last season, Rutgers finished 7th place. 
• A chance to lock up a double-bye. With a victory and fortunes on their side (losses for Ohio State and Iowa), Rutgers was able to secure 4th place and receive a double-bye in the Big Ten Conference tournament. This is the first time in Rutgers basketball history they have been able to receive a double-bye.

After being written off many times by the media and fans, this Rutgers team found a way to persevere. They played with great mental focus, toughness, and tenacity against Penn State. There was no way this team was going to lay down and let Penn State trounce them like they did earlier in the season. 

Rutgers can rest easy for almost the entirety of the week, as they will await the winner of Iowa vs Northwestern/Nebraska on Friday, March 11th (2 PM, BTN). Sure, Rutgers will have some intense practices leading up to the conference tournament and some time off to relax, but the Scarlet Knights must not forget what got them to a 4-seed. It was their will to never let up, and never quit. Rutgers has a serious chance at making an appearance in the Big Ten Tournament Championship, and possibly winning the entire conference tournament. As it stands, Rutgers is at +2300 odds to win the Big Ten Tournament, according to Circa Sports.

As spectators and analysts of college basketball, we are seeing one of the most amazing runs from a college basketball team that you might not see for years to come. This team barely had a pulse after losing to Lafayette and Massachusetts earlier in the season, but the Scarlet Knights fought hard and defied the odds. Their relentless hard work, never quit attitude, and will to fight kept them afloat and eventually catapulted them into the top four of the Big Ten conference, and most importantly of all, a shot at an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.