Biggest win of year period.

[bac2therac]

Twice as big and important as De Paul. This was going to be a very tough game for RU to win for many reasons...Pike's return, jacked up home crowd, being the hunted on the road, etc. It was the start of 4 very tough games for RU, the first 3 very winnable before SHU but games that were going to be several steps up in competition from the general dregs and weak sisters that RU has been feasting on at the RAC. Tonight was big league, bigly, impressive, whatever you want to call it. It was worth several cupcake wins by finally beating a team with a pulse and we starting taking steps to make that 9-1 feel a big more legitimate

And how the game shook out, Pikiell couldn't have scripted it better to get the most out of this win. Stony Brook was jacked up tonight and for a time were hitting everything. Its tough to overcome that as the game wears on. A critical turning point at 55-48 after falling behind 55-46 was a timeout that seemed to propel Rutgers into a different mode. RU completed a 15-0 run which was full of better defense, Seawolf misses, and drawing a lot of fouls. RU had kept their composure and then turned the jets on and did all the things that we have seen them do to inferior talent at the RAC. By the time Stony Brook knew what hit them they were paying catch up and RU didnt relinquish the lead and did all the things they needed to do to close it out whether it was nailing foul shots or getting the rebounds after a missed shot. This was kind of game that fans and coaches can love and appreciate AFTER its over not during. The team gutted its way though a win...a masterpiece...because this is how you want your team to win.

So for me I am MORE optimistic after this game. Another big test next vs FDU which will also be dangerous and another against Fordham so I am curious once again to see RU's approach to the game and can they build off this win. These two games are really important for development and confidence heading into the Big 10. One thing is clear, RU can not just show up and win. You see the difference in halves when RU is a little flat and sluggish and when they give the full focus and energy. RU needs to bring that to the table EVERY night to overcome its flaws mainly focusing on the inability to hit outside shots and the inability to defend outside shots.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Agreed. Season building and dare I say program building road win!

 

[RUinSC]

Good points. Is it our small guards that are having issues defending the 3?

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Fair and accurate.....I think Fordham is kinda part 2 of a Stony Brook type of step forward next weekend, in an unfamiliar environment against another hungry opponent....how RU bounces back vs FDU after a few pats on the back will be interesting on Wednesday night.

 

[bac2therac]

Fair and accurate.....I think Fordham is kinda part 2 of a Stony Brook type of step forward next weekend, in an unfamiliar environment against another hungry opponent....how RU bounces back vs FDU after a few pats on the back will be interesting on Wednesday night.

thats true...if the kids dont get too high and I think they did before that Hartford game, they should be alright against FDU but they will have to work hard. FDU is a better team than Stony Brook but getting the game at home is big plus here. And yeah Fordham in big arena not a great team but a team that can beat RU. Ive always considered this 4 game stretch so fascinating to watch unfold and we got a great first outcome.

 

[MadRU]

thats true...if the kids dont get too high and I think they did before that Hartford game, they should be alright against FDU but they will have to work hard. FDU is a better team than Stony Brook but getting the game at home is big plus here. And yeah Fordham in big arena not a great team but a team that can beat RU. Ive always considered this 4 game stretch so fascinating to watch unfold and we got a great first outcome.

Hopefully we get the RAC going next game. Got to get more people there to support this team. Fun team to watch and support.

 

[RU MAN]

Twice as big and important as De Paul. This was going to be a very tough game for RU to win for many reasons...Pike's return, jacked up home crowd, being the hunted on the road, etc. It was the start of 4 very tough games for RU, the first 3 very winnable before SHU but games that were going to be several steps up in competition from the general dregs and weak sisters that RU has been feasting on at the RAC. Tonight was big league, bigly, impressive, whatever you want to call it. It was worth several cupcake wins by finally beating a team with a pulse and we starting taking steps to make that 9-1 feel a big more legitimate

And how the game shook out, Pikiell couldn't have scripted it better to get the most out of this win. Stony Brook was jacked up tonight and for a time were hitting everything. Its tough to overcome that as the game wears on. A critical turning point at 55-48 after falling behind 55-46 was a timeout that seemed to propel Rutgers into a different mode. RU completed a 15-0 run which was full of better defense, Seawolf misses, and drawing a lot of fouls. RU had kept their composure and then turned the jets on and did all the things that we have seen them do to inferior talent at the RAC. By the time Stony Brook knew what hit them they were paying catch up and RU didnt relinquish the lead and did all the things they needed to do to close it out whether it was nailing foul shots or getting the rebounds after a missed shot. This was kind of game that fans and coaches can love and appreciate AFTER its over not during. The team gutted its way though a win...a masterpiece...because this is how you want your team to win.

So for me I am MORE optimistic after this game. Another big test next vs FDU which will also be dangerous and another against Fordham so I am curious once again to see RU's approach to the game and can they build off this win. These two games are really important for development and confidence heading into the Big 10. One thing is clear, RU can not just show up and win. You see the difference in halves when RU is a little flat and sluggish and when they give the full focus and energy. RU needs to bring that to the table EVERY night to overcome its flaws mainly focusing on the inability to hit outside shots and the inability to defend outside shots.

I couldn't agree more. In my prediction (I don't give a score) I predicted we would pull out a tight victory and we did. I knew this game would be tough. As you stated, former coach; jacked up team and crowd. This is a game we NEVER would have won in I don't know how long. Once we were down early in the second half by nine, previous teams would roll up into a ball and give up. In the past this is the kind of game we would lose by 12-15 on the road. But not tonight. I love our coaching staff and the resilience of the kids knowing we were the better team and out-grinded the Sea Wolves on their home floor.

 

[RBNY87]

Fordham will be additionally tough as they will be well rested not playing a game this week as we are their next opponent.

 

[jonS]

I was very impressed by Stony Brook. Solid on fundamentals, unselfish play, played good tough defense , boxed out well on rebounds and made key outside shots. Noticeable difference in Rutgers effort on defense in second half, especially the perimeter defense but too often Rutgers did not help out on defense , especially in the low post.. I also thought the refereeing was very questionable in the first half--every close call seemingly went against Rutgers ...Nigel Johnson had a fine game.

 

[RU MAN]

Fordham will be additionally tough as they will be well rested not playing a game this week as we are their next opponent.

That can go both ways. They may be rested, but that could have them come out and play rusted ball. I like our chances.

 

[ScarletDave]

I think the difference between this game and the Fordham one will be that the environment was ALL for the other team this time, the crazy crowd, the refs were playing on that energy and heck so were the announcers. Whereas MSG, we should probably out-number the Fordham fans, and our band will be there, that is a student section that stands the whole game and makes noise that will be going crazy I promise. Not as worried about that one as I was about tonight. Still part of me can't believe we won tonight. Had that "uh oh" feeling all week. Big Time performance.

 

[jonS]

Fair and accurate.....I think Fordham is kinda part 2 of a Stony Brook type of step forward next weekend, in an unfamiliar environment against another hungry opponent....how RU bounces back vs FDU after a few pats on the back will be interesting on Wednesday night.

Fordham game is big. Since it's at the MSG, it's likely to get more media attention which will only help Rutgers. It may even make NYC / NJ kids aware of what's happening in Piscataway.

 

[bac2therac]

I think the difference between this game and the Fordham one will be that the environment was ALL for the other team this time, the crazy crowd, the refs were playing on that energy and heck so were the announcers. Whereas MSG, we should probably out-number the Fordham fans, and our band will be there, that is a student section that stands the whole game and makes noise that will be going crazy I promise. Not as worried about that one as I was about tonight. Still part of me can't believe we won tonight. Had that "uh oh" feeling all week. Big Time performance.

I really dont see alot of RU fans at this game and Fordham will bring a good number and probably outnumber us

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

I really dont see alot of RU fans at this game and Fordham will bring a good number and probably outnumber us

Going with the wife. (edit) First time (long time) I have traveled into the city to see the team play. Excited.

(would go for the BET every year)

 

[ScarletLongIsland]

Was at the game tonight. The crowd got loud when Stony Brook went up 10 in the second half. It was really great to see our team respond and silence the crowd.

 

[Dpgru]

FDU could be a trap game stuck between this emotional game/win and a game at msg. I doubt Coach P will let that happen but we did get the let down in the Hartford game. Also, predicting the crowd at msg will be tough because it involves four teams and it is a Sunday in NYC going up against football.. But both games are very winnable lead ups to SHU.

 

[bac2therac]

Was at the game to tonight. The crowd got loud when Stony Brook went up 10 in the second half. It was really great to see our team respond and silence the crowd.

how was the reception for Pike?

 

[RU848789]

Twice as big and important as De Paul. This was going to be a very tough game for RU to win for many reasons...Pike's return, jacked up home crowd, being the hunted on the road, etc. It was the start of 4 very tough games for RU, the first 3 very winnable before SHU but games that were going to be several steps up in competition from the general dregs and weak sisters that RU has been feasting on at the RAC. Tonight was big league, bigly, impressive, whatever you want to call it. It was worth several cupcake wins by finally beating a team with a pulse and we starting taking steps to make that 9-1 feel a big more legitimate

And how the game shook out, Pikiell couldn't have scripted it better to get the most out of this win. Stony Brook was jacked up tonight and for a time were hitting everything. Its tough to overcome that as the game wears on. A critical turning point at 55-48 after falling behind 55-46 was a timeout that seemed to propel Rutgers into a different mode. RU completed a 15-0 run which was full of better defense, Seawolf misses, and drawing a lot of fouls. RU had kept their composure and then turned the jets on and did all the things that we have seen them do to inferior talent at the RAC. By the time Stony Brook knew what hit them they were paying catch up and RU didnt relinquish the lead and did all the things they needed to do to close it out whether it was nailing foul shots or getting the rebounds after a missed shot. This was kind of game that fans and coaches can love and appreciate AFTER its over not during. The team gutted its way though a win...a masterpiece...because this is how you want your team to win.

So for me I am MORE optimistic after this game. Another big test next vs FDU which will also be dangerous and another against Fordham so I am curious once again to see RU's approach to the game and can they build off this win. These two games are really important for development and confidence heading into the Big 10. One thing is clear, RU can not just show up and win. You see the difference in halves when RU is a little flat and sluggish and when they give the full focus and energy. RU needs to bring that to the table EVERY night to overcome its flaws mainly focusing on the inability to hit outside shots and the inability to defend outside shots.

Great post. Agree with everything, except I thought the Hartford comeback win was slightly more important, especially now that we saw them beat BC, proving that they're actually a pretty decent team (even if BC isn't great).

Loved how we took their best - my god but they were unconscious from downtown - and still found a way to make that run in the 2nd half, where we really turned up the defensive intensity and started driving so well to the hoop either for buckets or FTs. Thought Nigel's steal of the in bounds pass and his easy layup was huge. This team also really knows how to score in transition.

I actually can't wait for the B1G schedule to start - want to win some of these games and I'm sure we will.

 

[Dpgru]

Tonight's win is bigger than many people realize (especially the more casual observer who will just see the difference in rankings and think of it as a soft schedule game). The way SB came out and played was incredible. Also, they are notoriously good at home. This had the feel of a rivalry game, and in rivalry games you can throw out the stats. This is the kind of game the team can grow from and come out the other side a much better team.

 

[ScarletLongIsland]

how was the reception for Pike?

Unfortunately we were running late and got there just in time for the tip. Not sure if the crowd gave him an ovation or anything beforehand

 

[Degaz-RU]

Twice as big and important as De Paul. This was going to be a very tough game for RU to win for many reasons...Pike's return, jacked up home crowd, being the hunted on the road, etc. It was the start of 4 very tough games for RU, the first 3 very winnable before SHU but games that were going to be several steps up in competition from the general dregs and weak sisters that RU has been feasting on at the RAC. Tonight was big league, bigly, impressive, whatever you want to call it. It was worth several cupcake wins by finally beating a team with a pulse and we starting taking steps to make that 9-1 feel a big more legitimate

And how the game shook out, Pikiell couldn't have scripted it better to get the most out of this win. Stony Brook was jacked up tonight and for a time were hitting everything. Its tough to overcome that as the game wears on. A critical turning point at 55-48 after falling behind 55-46 was a timeout that seemed to propel Rutgers into a different mode. RU completed a 15-0 run which was full of better defense, Seawolf misses, and drawing a lot of fouls. RU had kept their composure and then turned the jets on and did all the things that we have seen them do to inferior talent at the RAC. By the time Stony Brook knew what hit them they were paying catch up and RU didnt relinquish the lead and did all the things they needed to do to close it out whether it was nailing foul shots or getting the rebounds after a missed shot. This was kind of game that fans and coaches can love and appreciate AFTER its over not during. The team gutted its way though a win...a masterpiece...because this is how you want your team to win.

So for me I am MORE optimistic after this game. Another big test next vs FDU which will also be dangerous and another against Fordham so I am curious once again to see RU's approach to the game and can they build off this win. These two games are really important for development and confidence heading into the Big 10. One thing is clear, RU can not just show up and win. You see the difference in halves when RU is a little flat and sluggish and when they give the full focus and energy. RU needs to bring that to the table EVERY night to overcome its flaws mainly focusing on the inability to hit outside shots and the inability to defend outside shots.

Yeah, this was a "gut check" win, on the road, in a hostile environment, down by 9 in the 2nd half, the opponent raining threes every time they got an inch of room -- really unbelievable that we even managed to pull out this game. And it was triggered by RELENTLESS defense that was a full 94 feet. Not "full court press" (except for a few times), but just full court man-to-man defense. The defense triggered the big 15-0 run, as we were able to get out on breaks and get transition baskets.

This was a program building win, one that should give the team confidence against better competition. Never give up, play relentless defense, and you have a chance to win.

 

[RUich]

If this team takes on the coach's attitude ( not high or low), they will be able to transition to the next game I think. Great game.

 

[BKIn118]

how was the reception for Pike?

Very positive...not blow the roof off, but standing O and good vibes

 

[RUJMM78]

Was at the game tonight. The crowd got loud when Stony Brook went up 10 in the second half. It was really great to see our team respond and silence the crowd.

I was at the game and Rutgers composure during Stony Brook 3 point outbursts and having their own scoring runs were the keys to winning .Winning in front of a hostile crowd is a positive sign for the future .Fans really need to come to games and support the team .

 

[mikefla]

I agree with posts above...key word was....COMPOSURE

even when Cory got a couple ticky tack fouls.....he shook it off(that last O foul was NOT a foul IMO)

Nigel and Williams to close the game.......via foul shots....

I couldnt have scripted it better@!!!!!!!!

happy guy=me !!!!!

 

[knights1212]

This was a great win in a tough and loud environment. I have attended RU games since 1971 and this to me after all we have been through for the last 10-20 years was one of the most satisfying RU wins I have ever been to. A special thanks to BK and his wife for making sure I got to the game. We are "moving on up".