RAPID REACTION — Michigan State

[Degaz-RU]

1. We can’t win a game with Dylan hobbled and ineffective and Ace shooting 4-17. Period.

2. Shout out to Derkack for playing a great game with 26 points on 7-11 from the floor overall, 4-7 from deep, and 8-9 on FTs.

3. Too bad he got no help from Martini (0-5) or Acuff (1-6) or JWill (a quiet 4 points).

4. We just couldn’t hit the ocean from the boat today, shooting a horrendous 23-68 for 33.8% overall from the field. And a TON of the misses were on point blank layups and shots at the rim. Absolutely gut wrenching to watch shot after shot roll off the rim.

5. I actually thought the defense played pretty well today, but MSU is soooo patient that they were able to get decent looks even late in the shot clock.

6. MSU goes a legit 10 deep and there’s little drop off. Big, athletic, with skilled guards and high flying wings. They’re a contender, but their lack of 3-pt shooting will ultimately be their downfall.

7. The season is effectively over, as we’re not going to win 9 of the next 11 games without Ogbole and with a hobbled Dylan Harper. Best we can hope for now is actually making the Big Ten Tournament.

8. Not gonna lie, I’m just despondent over how this promising season basically crashed on takeoff. It’s really hard being a Rutgers fan…

 

[RW90]

Credit to Izzy too. They scored coming out of timeouts multiple times albeit they have way more options.

 

[winfield102]

MSU is a very good team.

I thought we had a lot of low percentage layups/drives. I didn't see a lot of missed bunnies.

You play PJ but the guy doesn't get any looks? Odd. He shouldn't be on the court if he is not getting at least 4-5 shots.

We had a good number of open 3's, but we're were ice cold.

Martini just seems so reluctant to shoot. He rarely seems ready or in a good position. He had so many open looks that he had no choice but to shoot. Same thing with PJ. 3 point shooters have to hunt for shots.

 

[mikemarc1]

Was this season really ever “promising?”

Lots of hype - sure - but I could tell after the first week of games - team was severely overrated. So never brought into the hype.

Was the pre-season hype valid? Maybe - I mean 2 lottery players on a team is reason for optimism.

But I’ve been cautiously optimistic all fall - relying on 2 freshman to lead and carry your team - no matter how good they are, is dangerous.

To me - it’s much easier to accept we’re not good - cause I accepted that after week 1.

 

[Scangg]

MSU is a very good team.

I thought we had a lot of low percentage layups/drives. I didn't see a lot of missed bunnies.

You play PJ but the guy doesn't get any looks? Odd. He shouldn't be on the court if he is not getting at least 4-5 shots.

We had a good number of open 3's, but we're were ice cold.

Martini just seems so reluctant to shoot. He rarely seems ready or in a good position. He had so many open looks that he had no choice but to shoot. Same thing with PJ. 3 point shooters have to hunt for shots.

Martini was chucking at will today firing a couple deeper 3's too

Derkack Ace Grant 8/16 from 3

Everyone else 1/14

30 three point attempts, Hayes 0 attempts

 

[fatsam98]

Well summarized. Our bench just isn't good enough, simply put. As usual

 

[RUJMM78]

1. We can’t win a game with Dylan hobbled and ineffective and Ace shooting 4-17. Period.

2. Shout out to Derkack for playing a great game with 26 points on 7-11 from the floor overall, 4-7 from deep, and 8-9 on FTs.

3. Too bad he got no help from Martini (0-5) or Acuff (1-6) or JWill (a quiet 4 points).

4. We just couldn’t hit the ocean from the boat today, shooting a horrendous 23-68 for 33.8% overall from the field. And a TON of the misses were on point blank layups and shots at the rim. Absolutely gut wrenching to watch shot after shot roll off the rim.

5. I actually thought the defense played pretty well today, but MSU is soooo patient that they were able to get decent looks even late in the shot clock.

6. MSU goes a legit 10 deep and there’s little drop off. Big, athletic, with skilled guards and high flying wings. They’re a contender, but their lack of 3-pt shooting will ultimately be their downfall.

7. The season is effectively over, as we’re not going to win 9 of the next 11 games without Ogbole and with a hobbled Dylan Harper. Best we can hope for now is actually making the Big Ten Tournament.

8. Not gonna lie, I’m just despondent over how this promising season basically crashed on takeoff. It’s really hard being a Rutgers fan…

Your comment 8 is shared by many Rutgers fans,High preseason hopes and utter disappointment as the season has progressed.I can't even say that I saw Harper show enough of his magic on the court because of the flu and ankle sprain.

 

[Simce91]

MSU is a very good team.

I thought we had a lot of low percentage layups/drives. I didn't see a lot of missed bunnies.

You play PJ but the guy doesn't get any looks? Odd. He shouldn't be on the court if he is not getting at least 4-5 shots.

Did you watch PJ when he was on the court ?

Surprised he got as many minutes as he did

When an opportunity to grab a loose ball came his way, he did as little as possible to secure it

 

[Scangg]

Did you watch PJ when he was on the court ?

Surprised he got as many minutes as he did

When an opportunity to grab a loose ball came his way, he did as little as possible to secure it

That was one play. He also hustled and dove out of bounds to save a ball. Nice pump fake and entry pass to Lathan for a bucket

Hayes wasn't a problem today. Didn't move the needle either way

The following all bigger problems...

Dylan - Hurt
Ace - inefficient
Martini - 0-5
Acuff 1-6
Davis 1-4

 

[winfield102]

We don't do anything for the 3 point shooters and I didn't see PJ trying to work himself into a spot for a shot. We play so much ISO that it's tough to just move around the court on your own in an attempt to get open.

I don't have an issue with PJ's effort but no doubt that loose ball was a bad play. Brain freeze on his end.

Martini was chucking but almost everything had a hesitation. I'm not a fan of Derkack firing 3's but he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger (it's like he thinks he is 45% from 3 on the season).

 

[richthedentist]

Did you watch PJ when he was on the court ?

Surprised he got as many minutes as he did

When an opportunity to grab a loose ball came his way, he did as little as possible to secure it

He should not see the court again the rest of the season 11 minutes today and just a total zero literally and Grant has to play 30 minutes every game the rest of the game season

 

[richthedentist]

We don't do anything for the 3 point shooters and I didn't see PJ trying to work himself into a spot for a shot. We play so much ISO that it's tough to just move around the court on your own in an attempt to get open.

I don't have an issue with PJ's effort but no doubt that loose ball was a bad play. Brain freeze on his end.

Martini was chucking but almost everything had a hesitation. I'm not a fan of Derkack firing 3's but he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger (it's like he thinks he is 45% from 3 on the season).

We don’t and have never run anything other than iso or iso/high pick and roll

 

[Scangg]

He should not see the court again the rest of the season 11 minutes today and just a total zero literally and Grant has to play 30 minutes every game the rest of the game season

11 minutes of 0 is still better than what multiple players gave us today as big negatives

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

The game was a bundle of problems that were created by the staff back in November. There was never a clear path or pattern for how players would be utilized.....it's very random and results driven at times and others it's hit or miss.

Are Lathan Sommerville and Dylan Grant world-beaters?? Not at all, but they're trying and learning as freshman and Lathan gets a basket, gets taken out for Martini....Grant hits a 3, goes to the bench less than a minute later.

There's no way for the players to know when or what's coming and then a lineup that works, gets left on the floor, until they're burned out and tired.

The Dylan injury opened the door for Derkack, but even with the 3s early, the one in the 2H with a running start from the left side, was a shot you just can't take in transition. But I have to give the kid a ton of credit, he battled and made plays.

If Pike can settle on a rotation that keeps Grant and Sommerville on the floor for more than 20 minutes a game and we stop putting JMike on the court, where he just doesn't make any shots, there's a winning streak on this roster somewhere. Maybe it starts at NW, but it has to revolve around getting these freshman major minutes....at least they're providing something.

 

[ScarletKid2008]

It’s not the rotation. It’s not that the offense isn’t getting guys open shots.

We aren’t making easy shots. And we often times have the wrong guys taking the shots. And Ace isn’t using his ability to get himself easier shots or to make plays that make others better around him. He’s drawing 2 or 3 guys and he’s rising up to shot most of the time or making a poor pass . The whole offense could literally start with just getting ace a touch

 

[RUskoolie]

Did you watch PJ when he was on the court ?

Surprised he got as many minutes as he did

When an opportunity to grab a loose ball came his way, he did as little as possible to secure it

I was irate watching that. Looked like a girl who didn't want to break their nails when that ball was on the court.

Guy stinks and does not belong at this level.

 

[RW90]

Derkack Ace Grant 8/16 from 3

Everyone else 1/14

Even Somerville took a three point attempt. 🤮

 

[socaldave]

Pike did some coaching at the end.
The current iteration of the program is a fail.
Rutgers is cursed, we have one of the best players in college bball for 1 year and we get and injury/flu plagued version.
Playing in the garden brought us nothing,
Does Martini make those shots at the Rac, the guy who started the bench Jordan D. Thread looks a little foolish now.
Don’t think there has ever been in Rutgers history a call for a benching followed by a player scoring 27 points on the 8th ranked team in the country

 

[RAC93]

The game was a bundle of problems that were created by the staff back in November. There was never a clear path or pattern for how players would be utilized.....it's very random and results driven at times and others it's hit or miss.

Are Lathan Sommerville and Dylan Grant world-beaters?? Not at all, but they're trying and learning as freshman and Lathan gets a basket, gets taken out for Martini....Grant hits a 3, goes to the bench less than a minute later.

There's no way for the players to know when or what's coming and then a lineup that works, gets left on the floor, until they're burned out and tired.

The Dylan injury opened the door for Derkack, but even with the 3s early, the one in the 2H with a running start from the left side, was a shot you just can't take in transition. But I have to give the kid a ton of credit, he battled and made plays.

If Pike can settle on a rotation that keeps Grant and Sommerville on the floor for more than 20 minutes a game and we stop putting JMike on the court, where he just doesn't make any shots, there's a winning streak on this roster somewhere. Maybe it starts at NW, but it has to revolve around getting these freshman major minutes....at least they're providing something.

Does two wins constitute a streak? This team has shown nothing this year to indicate they can play consistent, winning basketball and win 3 or 4 Big 10 games in a row.

 

[RAC93]

I was irate watching that. Looked like a girl who didn't want to break their nails when that ball was on the court.

Guy stinks and does not belong at this level.

IIRC, that was the play where an MSU player dove to the floor, grabbed the ball and then undercut Hayes legs because he was still standing upright. Hayes never even dove to the floor and went for the ball like he should have done.

 

[goru7]

We don't do anything for the 3 point shooters and I didn't see PJ trying to work himself into a spot for a shot. We play so much ISO that it's tough to just move around the court on your own in an attempt to get open.

I don't have an issue with PJ's effort but no doubt that loose ball was a bad play. Brain freeze on his end.

Martini was chucking but almost everything had a hesitation. I'm not a fan of Derkack firing 3's but he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger (it's like he thinks he is 45% from 3 on the season).

Your last dig at Derdack who played the game of his life was super uncalled for . He played a career game today. He didn’t hesitate on his threes, something he has done all year , and maybe he found something positive today. A shame he had no help and ACE was off and Dylan couldn’t play in second half.
Martini missing 4 wide open 3’s in the second half when if he makes 2 , the game likely goes to the wire. JMike and Acuff almost nothing again and Jeremiah our captain underperforming yet again. His reckless drive and Miss followed by Michigan State’s 3 was a huge 5 point swing in the game that killed us.
Pike taking out Dylan Grant and Lathan right after he made a nice move and bucket and riding with Martini and JMike was beyond head scratching and one of Pike ‘s lousy costly sub patterns that end up hurting momentum .

 

[Goku]

1. We can’t win a game with Dylan hobbled and ineffective and Ace shooting 4-17. Period.

2. Shout out to Derkack for playing a great game with 26 points on 7-11 from the floor overall, 4-7 from deep, and 8-9 on FTs.

3. Too bad he got no help from Martini (0-5) or Acuff (1-6) or JWill (a quiet 4 points).

4. We just couldn’t hit the ocean from the boat today, shooting a horrendous 23-68 for 33.8% overall from the field. And a TON of the misses were on point blank layups and shots at the rim. Absolutely gut wrenching to watch shot after shot roll off the rim.

5. I actually thought the defense played pretty well today, but MSU is soooo patient that they were able to get decent looks even late in the shot clock.

6. MSU goes a legit 10 deep and there’s little drop off. Big, athletic, with skilled guards and high flying wings. They’re a contender, but their lack of 3-pt shooting will ultimately be their downfall.

7. The season is effectively over, as we’re not going to win 9 of the next 11 games without Ogbole and with a hobbled Dylan Harper. Best we can hope for now is actually making the Big Ten Tournament.

8. Not gonna lie, I’m just despondent over how this promising season basically crashed on takeoff. It’s really hard being a Rutgers fan…

I’m sorry for how rough this season has been for you. I have been on this board for 25 years and you have been here the whole time too and you are a great fan and poster.

 

[darkcheck]

After 20 games each this team has the same record as last year’s team. Unbelievable to me. So many excuses. They’re not warranted. Does a healthy Dylan give us a game or two? Maybe. I can’t say much more because with him we didn’t cover many Nov games. Barely beat ND without their best player. Barely beat Hall. Kennesaw. Lost close to good teams. Last years team was awful. Even if they were 11-9,12-8 this years team isn’t good.

 

[RAC93]

After 20 games each this team has the same record as last year’s team. Unbelievable to me. So many excuses. They’re not warranted. Does a healthy Dylan give us a game or two? Maybe. I can’t say much more because with him we didn’t cover many Nov games. Barely beat ND without their best player. Barely beat Hall. Kennesaw. Lost close to good teams. Last years team was awful. Even if they were 11-9,12-8 this years team isn’t good.

Agreed, we are really the exact same as last year’s team as far as being able get wins. The only difference is we have two talented freshman, but beyond that, last year’s team and this year’s team both share the same quality of not being able to win. I have been saying this for a while now that we may end up losing more games this year than last year. They are just not a very good team who lacks experienced and winning college players. We were 10-10 and 6-10 over the last 16 games, it is what it is at this point.

 

[ScarletKid2008]

It’s pretty sad , frustrating and miserable that we aren’t even 2/3 way through what was supposed to be the most incredible Rutgers basketball season of our lifetimes and now I’m not even sure if I want to watch how this flame quietly burns out.

 

[BigEastPhil]

Acuff is tough on the eyes to watch !

His shot is awful and he’s very slow and unathletic!.

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

Your last dig at Derdack who played the game of his life was super uncalled for . He played a career game today. He didn’t hesitate on his threes, something he has done all year , and maybe he found something positive today. A shame he had no help and ACE was off and Dylan couldn’t play in second half.
Martini missing 4 wide open 3’s in the second half when if he makes 2 , the game likely goes to the wire. JMike and Acuff almost nothing again and Jeremiah our captain underperforming yet again. His reckless drive and Miss followed by Michigan State’s 3 was a huge 5 point swing in the game that killed us.
Pike taking out Dylan Grant and Lathan right after he made a nice move and bucket and riding with Martini and JMike was beyond head scratching and one of Pike ‘s lousy costly sub patterns that end up hurting momentum .

"Riding with Martini" lol

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

Acuff is tough on the eyes to watch !

His shot is awful and he’s very slow and unathletic!.

One of the top scorers in college basketball!

 

[Roy_Faulker]

What struck me listening to the tv commentary were all the statements about players growing to their role from last/previous year(s).

Sounded like there was/is roster continuity for Sparty and it is serving them well.

 

[RAC93]

It’s pretty sad , frustrating and miserable that we aren’t even 2/3 way through what was supposed to be the most incredible Rutgers basketball season of our lifetimes and now I’m not even sure if I want to watch how this flame quietly burns out.

I agree, posted in another thread I wish the season was on a dvr recording and could just fast forward to the end to see how it ended.

 

[DHajekRC84]

The game was a bundle of problems that were created by the staff back in November. There was never a clear path or pattern for how players would be utilized.....it's very random and results driven at times and others it's hit or miss.

Are Lathan Sommerville and Dylan Grant world-beaters?? Not at all, but they're trying and learning as freshman and Lathan gets a basket, gets taken out for Martini....Grant hits a 3, goes to the bench less than a minute later.

There's no way for the players to know when or what's coming and then a lineup that works, gets left on the floor, until they're burned out and tired.

The Dylan injury opened the door for Derkack, but even with the 3s early, the one in the 2H with a running start from the left side, was a shot you just can't take in transition. But I have to give the kid a ton of credit, he battled and made plays.

If Pike can settle on a rotation that keeps Grant and Sommerville on the floor for more than 20 minutes a game and we stop putting JMike on the court, where he just doesn't make any shots, there's a winning streak on this roster somewhere. Maybe it starts at NW, but it has to revolve around getting these freshman major minutes....at least they're providing something.

A post I can very much agree with. And he's been doing the sub-thing for years. Literally removes the hot hand every time.