Top 5 all-time game at the Rac (for me)

[jaydogsmooth1]

Wasn't around for the 1989 A-10 final vs. PSU
Nor the UNLV/Mizzou/WVU games of the 80's and 90's or the UF game w/Eli Carter going off
By all accounts, those were all next level, especially vs. the Nitts

But I'd rate this game a Top 5 for me at the Rac that I've seen live (only including wins)
List as follows

1. Purdue - 2021 (RHJ buzzer beater at mid court)
2. Nova - 2011 (Jonathan Mitchell 4 point play)
3. Seton Hall - 2024 (Dylan 3 ball at the buzzer)
4. Seton Hall - 2005 (Q free throw with no time remaining)
5. OSU - 2021 (Caleb block)

*** Honorable mention Maryland - 2019 as we broke the NCAA streak w/that game, 2017 Illinois w/DeShawn's late deep 3 and Seton Hall 2017 (got out to 16-0 lead)
*** Had tickets for Providence 2004 where Herve hit the winner at the buzzer, but got invited to Moving Out on Broadway, so I gave them away

Again, only going on games we won. Other incredible Rac games we lost include:
1. UConn - 2004 (up 10, place was rocking, they pulled it out at the end)
2. Nova - 2006 (Jimmy Inglis bank at the buzzer to send it to OT)
3. Syracuse 2005 where Q's 3 at the end rimmed out

What say you, what are the top Rac games, wins or losses, you've been to and how would you rank yesterday?

 

[shields]

1991 UNLV. They were 25-2 with losses to RU and LSU with Shaq. Also Florida game with Rosario coming back.

 

[wheezer]

I would rather have a well played RU game in the top 5

If you want to have an end game list, ok
Your first two are spot on

 

[bethlehemfan]

Wasn't around for the 1989 A-10 final vs. PSU
Nor the UNLV/Mizzou/WVU games of the 80's and 90's or the UF game w/Eli Carter going off
By all accounts, those were all next level, especially vs. the Nitts

But I'd rate this game a Top 5 for me at the Rac that I've seen live (only including wins)
List as follows

1. Purdue - 2021 (RHJ buzzer beater at mid court)
2. Nova - 2011 (Jonathan Mitchell 4 point play)
3. Seton Hall - 2024 (Dylan 3 ball at the buzzer)
4. Seton Hall - 2005 (Q free throw with no time remaining)
5. OSU - 2021 (Caleb block)

*** Honorable mention Maryland - 2019 as we broke the NCAA streak w/that game, 2017 Illinois w/DeShawn's late deep 3 and Seton Hall 2017 (got out to 16-0 lead)
*** Had tickets for Providence 2004 where Herve hit the winner at the buzzer, but got invited to Moving Out on Broadway, so I gave them away

Again, only going on games we won. Other incredible Rac games we lost include:
1. UConn - 2004 (up 10, place was rocking, they pulled it out at the end)
2. Nova - 2006 (Jimmy Inglis bank at the buzzer to send it to OT)
3. Syracuse 2005 where Q's 3 at the end rimmed out

What say you, what are the top Rac games, wins or losses, you've been to and how would you rank yesterday?

That Md game was awesome. 1977 St. John’s and 1978 Syracuse. Both ranked teams. (Same season).

 

[JoeRU]

Herve's bank 3, right right next to Boeheim - beating the Carmello NC team

 

[JayDogSmooth]

I would rather have a well played RU game in the top 5

If you want to have an end game list, ok
Your first two are spot on

I agree, but unfortunately, they’re haven’t been a bunch of them played throughout the years

 

[PiscatawayMike]

1978 NIT quarterfinal vs. Indiana State has to be near the top of the list. RU won, 57-56. It was ISU's last loss before losing to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team in the NCAA title game in 1979.

https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/15/...trategy-pays-off-rutgers-gains-in-nit-by.html

 

[shields]

Agree Mike, but only listened to game on radio. No tv for that game right?

 

[PiscatawayMike]

Agree Mike, but only listened to game on radio. No tv for that game right?

Correct. No TV.

 

[ScarletR30]

Doesn’t crack the top 5 but Indiana in 2019 was a great game. I think we started the second half on a huge 22-0 run and the noise never stopped.

 

[wheezer]

1978 NIT quarterfinal vs. Indiana State has to be near the top of the list. RU won, 57-56. It was ISU's last loss before losing to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team in the NCAA title game in 1979.

https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/15/...trategy-pays-off-rutgers-gains-in-nit-by.html

Jammin James with the winning baseline shot
Good choice for any list

 

[Mr Magoo]

Game vs West Virginia in the early 80s for me. I believe they were ranked #6 and we beat them on CBS National TV when there were basically 3 networks and cable was relatively new. They disregarded fire codes and people sat on the steps making it an adventure to get out.

Also, Missouri around 1990 when we literally had to stand on our seats the entire game and you could not hear the person next to you.

Most of you young-uns’ will have no idea what I’m talking about but no a/c and packing them that tight made for a most unique game time experience.

Also, personally but not for a good reason, was the Lamizana banked three when I lept from my aisle seat (I had a good 2 ft vertical back then) in the top of the 100s, landed on the corner of the step, rolled my ankle, fell to the ground and rolled down about 10 aisles in excruciating pain while people were celebrating above me. If I was 20 pounds heavier, I might have bowled over the visitors bench and rolled onto the court… fun times.

 

[shields]

West Virginia is a good one, was there for that one.

 

[wheezer]

I agree, but unfortunately, they’re haven’t been a bunch of them played throughout the years

Fans here coning up.with a few historic RU games

 

[ScarletDave]

The loudest and most fun atmosphere for me end-to-end was Illinois 2021 which was part of our 4-game winning streak against top 25 teams. They were #8 or something but there was no doubt about that one. We jumped out to I think a 10-0 lead and the place was so loud. Underwood burner 2 timeouts in the first couple minutes. And nut job Andre Curbelo got totally intimidated, Brad pulled him and Curbelo threw his gatorade cup on the floor and Brad made him clean it up lol. That place was rocking. Paid $100 for a nose bleed and snuck into the student section.

Honorable mention, Indiana last year or year before, I think we pulled out to a 15-point lead early? They were ranked #15 or something but we just own them.

 

[bethlehemfan]

Game vs West Virginia in the early 80s for me. I believe they were ranked #6 and we beat them on CBS National TV when there were basically 3 networks and cable was relatively new. They disregarded fire codes and people sat on the steps making it an adventure to get out.

Also, Missouri around 1990 when we literally had to stand on our seats the entire game and you could not hear the person next to you.

Most of you young-uns’ will have no idea what I’m talking about but no a/c and packing them that tight made for a most unique game time experience.

Also, personally but not for a good reason, was the Lamizana banked three when I lept from my aisle seat (I had a good 2 ft vertical back then) in the top of the 100s, landed on the corner of the step, rolled my ankle, fell to the ground and rolled down about 10 aisles in excruciating pain while people were celebrating above me. If I was 20 pounds heavier, I might have bowled over the visitors bench and rolled onto the court… fun times.

Good call.

 

[bac2therac]

This one isnt even in my top 25

 

[RUisB1Gtime]

RU win vs Penn State was a much better game then yesterday....not even close

 

[scarletnewyorker2006]

Herve sinks a 3 at the buzzer to beat ranked Providence, 2004

 

[JayDogSmooth]

1978 NIT quarterfinal vs. Indiana State has to be near the top of the list. RU won, 57-56. It was ISU's last loss before losing to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team in the NCAA title game in 1979.

https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/15/...trategy-pays-off-rutgers-gains-in-nit-by.html

I forgot about that one

 

[JayDogSmooth]

Doesn’t crack the top 5 but Indiana in 2019 was a great game. I think we started the second half on a huge 22-0 run and the noise never stopped.

That was a great game w an awesome athmosphere

 

[JayDogSmooth]

Game vs West Virginia in the early 80s for me. I believe they were ranked #6 and we beat them on CBS National TV when there were basically 3 networks and cable was relatively new. They disregarded fire codes and people sat on the steps making it an adventure to get out.

Also, Missouri around 1990 when we literally had to stand on our seats the entire game and you could not hear the person next to you.

Most of you young-uns’ will have no idea what I’m talking about but no a/c and packing them that tight made for a most unique game time experience.

Also, personally but not for a good reason, was the Lamizana banked three when I lept from my aisle seat (I had a good 2 ft vertical back then) in the top of the 100s, landed on the corner of the step, rolled my ankle, fell to the ground and rolled down about 10 aisles in excruciating pain while people were celebrating above me. If I was 20 pounds heavier, I might have bowled over the visitors bench and rolled onto the court… fun times.

ive hears the WVU game had people standing 5 deep in the comcourse

 

[JayDogSmooth]

Fans here coning up.with a few historic RU games

Wish i was around for those!

 

[JayDogSmooth]

The loudest and most fun atmosphere for me end-to-end was Illinois 2021 which was part of our 4-game winning streak against top 25 teams. They were #8 or something but there was no doubt about that one. We jumped out to I think a 10-0 lead and the place was so loud. Underwood burner 2 timeouts in the first couple minutes. And nut job Andre Curbelo got totally intimidated, Brad pulled him and Curbelo threw his gatorade cup on the floor and Brad made him clean it up lol. That place was rocking. Paid $100 for a nose bleed and snuck into the student section.

Honorable mention, Indiana last year or year before, I think we pulled out to a 15-point lead early? They were ranked #15 or something but we just own them.

We wore the black uni’s
9pm tip IIRC
Loud eniugh for Brad to mention it post game

 

[JayDogSmooth]

RU win vs Penn State was a much better game then yesterday....not even close

Nobody (especially the guy that started this thread, and specifically mentioned that Game is opening monolouge of this thread as the benchmark for all games at the Rac) would even try comparing the two

 

[JayDogSmooth]

This one isnt even in my top 25

You act like we’re Duke
Or UNC
Or didn’t miss the tourney for 30 straight years, what some absolutely abysmal basketball played for a large chunk of that time

I’ll meet you in the middle, give me 15games you’ve gone at the Rac to that we’re better than this one, with all of the intangibles put together

I guarantee if we were 10-0 instead of six and four, you’d rate this right up there with the top ones.

Don’t let our subpar record and uncertain future for this season cloud your judgment.

 

[Unionst]

I forgot about that one

We were 23-6 and playing in the NIT! Times were different. I was a student at that time and did not go to the game. Have no idea why. Mid-terms?

 

[RUBigFrank]

Was an usher for that game - saw Larry Bird punch a heckler

 

[ru-baby]

Herve's clearly unintentional bank was awesome

Good and interesting list

 

[RUHouston]

RU win vs Penn State was a much better game then yesterday....not even close

This one may be on the Mt Rushmore of games with some others…. While not at the RAC, the game prior at the Palestra was also epic…

 

[Loyal_2RU]

Was an usher for that game - saw Larry Bird punch a heckler

Was a pretty mild heckle: "tough game Larry was my recollection. But u think he touched his arm or shoulder

 

[bac2therac]

You act like we’re Duke
Or UNC
Or didn’t miss the tourney for 30 straight years, what some absolutely abysmal basketball played for a large chunk of that time

I’ll meet you in the middle, give me 15games you’ve gone at the Rac to that we’re better than this one, with all of the intangibles put together

I guarantee if we were 10-0 instead of six and four, you’d rate this right up there with the top ones.

Don’t let our subpar record and uncertain future for this season cloud your judgment.

Ill find 40

 

[wheezer]

You act like we’re Duke
Or UNC
Or didn’t miss the tourney for 30 straight years, what some absolutely abysmal basketball played for a large chunk of that time

I’ll meet you in the middle, give me 15games you’ve gone at the Rac to that we’re better than this one, with all of the intangibles put together

I guarantee if we were 10-0 instead of six and four, you’d rate this right up there with the top ones.

Don’t let our subpar record and uncertain future for this season cloud your judgment.

The football parallel to this would be the Thanksgiving Virginia tech game , a last second win, decades ago

Make no mistake, that game itself was terrible, absolutely dreadful,

But some would list it as one of their best, even so, based on the last few seconds

Jay, this bb game was a bad one, and certainly not ranked as a top one, aside for the final shot
There were many many games at the RAC with quality teams, won at the very end, much more worthy

I certainly do appreciate the very end of it, will remember it, but that is about it

I will appreciate the skill of Dylan and his poise in the situation

 

[JayDogSmooth]

The football parallel to this would be the Thanksgiving Virginia tech game , a last second win, decades ago

Make no mistake, that game itself was terrible, absolutely dreadful,

But some would list it as one of their best, even so, based on the last few seconds

Jay, this bb game was a bad one, and certainly not ranked as a top one, aside for the final shot
There were many many games at the RAC with quality teams, won at the very end, much more worthy

I certainly do appreciate the very end of it, will remember it, but that is about it

I will appreciate the skill of Dylan and his poise in the situation

The ending is what made the game
Just like Herve, J Mitch and RHJ’s late game heroics of years past

 

[Simce91]

Not mentioned, March 2003, Jerome Coleman bombing away to beat # 9 ND.

1st win against a top 10 team since beating WVU in 82.

A freshman named Calvin Wooten had 18

RAC was deafening!

 

[PiscatawayMike]

Game vs West Virginia in the early 80s for me. I believe they were ranked #6 and we beat them on CBS National TV when there were basically 3 networks and cable was relatively new. They disregarded fire codes and people sat on the steps making it an adventure to get out.

Also, Missouri around 1990 when we literally had to stand on our seats the entire game and you could not hear the person next to you.

Most of you young-uns’ will have no idea what I’m talking about but no a/c and packing them that tight made for a most unique game time experience.

Also, personally but not for a good reason, was the Lamizana banked three when I lept from my aisle seat (I had a good 2 ft vertical back then) in the top of the 100s, landed on the corner of the step, rolled my ankle, fell to the ground and rolled down about 10 aisles in excruciating pain while people were celebrating above me. If I was 20 pounds heavier, I might have bowled over the visitors bench and rolled onto the court… fun times.

The 1982 game when we beat WVU was not televised.

https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/28/...ia-streak-at-23-mountaineers-upset-74-64.html

The WVU-RU game at the RAC the following season was regionally broadcast by CBS with Gary Bender and Billy Packer doing the call. We lost that one.

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/23/sports/west-virginia-tops-rutgers-by-71-63.html

 

[Mr Magoo]

The 1982 game when we beat WVU was not televised.

https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/28/...ia-streak-at-23-mountaineers-upset-74-64.html

The WVU-RU game at the RAC the following season was regionally broadcast by CBS with Gary Bender and Billy Packer doing the call. We lost that one.

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/23/sports/west-virginia-tops-rutgers-by-71-63.html

I must have mixed them up. I think I was at both. Regardless, it was the loudest (and hottest) I remember. Perhaps I was delirious from the heat.

 

[JayDogSmooth]

Not mentioned, March 2003, Jerome Coleman bombing away to beat # 9 ND.

1st win against a top 10 team since beating WVU in 82.

A freshman named Calvin Wooten had 18

RAC was deafening!

Coleman was awesome when he caught fire

 

[PiscatawayMike]

I must have mixed them up. I think I was at both. Regardless, it was the loudest (and hottest) I remember. Perhaps I was delirious from the heat.

I was at both.

The 1982 game was bonkers! You couldn't fit another person in with a shoehorn. The student section was rocking well before tip-off. WVU didn't stand a chance that day.

The 1983 game was disappointing. We lost and the RAC wasn't even close to being sold out. IIRC, the attendance was roughly 6,700.

 

[Mr Magoo]

I was at both.

The 1982 game was bonkers! You couldn't fit another person in with a shoehorn. The student section was rocking well before tip-off. WVU didn't stand a chance that day.

The 1983 game was disappointing. We lost and the RAC wasn't even close to being sold out. IIRC, the attendance was roughly 6,700.

That’s what I do remember from the 82 game. I had half court seats in the 100s and I didn’t even attempt to leave to go to the bathroom. After getting to the aisle, you would have to navigate the people sitting on the stairs without falling over them. Crazy.