Wednesday night’s upset of Ohio State was the first victory over a ranked Big Ten opponent for Rutgers with Steve Pikiell as head coach. After an 0-3 start to conference play and six straight Big Ten regular season losses, the win showcased what Rutgers is capable of. It was a gutty performance that saw multiple players contribute on a night the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, Eugene Omoruyi, left the game early in the first half and never returned due to a dislocated kneecap injury.
The previous month brought lackluster performances in wins over Columbia and Maine, as well as a disappointing loss to Maryland last Saturday in which Rutgers surrendered a 33-6 run to end the first half.