So much for the theory that Rutgers' soft non-conference schedule would leave the team unprepared for the best that the Big Ten has to offer.
Michigan State arrived at the Rutgers Athletic Center with a gaudy No. 3 national ranking, and left Tuesday night with a gut-check 62-52 victory over the Scarlet Knights before a crowd of 6,020 fans -- including former WFAN morning-host Craig Carton and Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson -- in Piscataway.
Rutgers, seeking its' highest-ranked victory in program history, led 35-34 with just over 13 minutes to play.