The program-record 12th Big Ten victory was at times ugly. Geo Baker hugs coach Steve Pikiell after the game. “When we first came here, I don’t think anyone was trying to play like Rutgers,” he said. Told of those comments, Baker paused and smiled. found guys that fit him, he found tough individuals who wanted to play the right way, his style, make plays and defend people and do something special at a place.”
“My hope for one day is to make Penn State the same exact way. “I’m almost envious,” Penn State coach Micah Shrewsberry said. It is expected to reach a second straight NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1975-76, and it would be three in a row if not for the COVID-19 pandemic that canceled the 2020 big dance. No matter what happens from here on out, Baker, McConnell and Harper will be remembered for bringing Rutgers basketball back.
defends Penn State’s Sam Sessoms during Rutgers’ win on March 6, 2022. 5 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament depending on the result Sunday night of Iowa-Illinois. Rutgers (18-12, 12-8 Big Ten) survived, ensuring itself of either the No. “What else did you guys expect?” Baker told the adoring and sold-out Jersey Mike’s Arena crowd afterward.ĭefending the life out of an opponent, making key plays down the stretch in a tight game they had to have felt like a perfect end to their home script, a heart-pounding 59-58 victory over playing-out-the-string Penn State that likely locks up Rutgers’ second straight NCAA Tournament bid.Īfter Paul Mulcahy threw the ball away in the final seconds, Baker wouldn’t let Sam Sessoms by him, forcing him into a difficult fadeaway at the horn that wasn’t close. On Senior Day for program linchpins Geo Baker, Caleb McConnell and Ron Harper Jr., blowing out an opponent wouldn’t feel right. It’s that attribute that has turned Rutgers into a March contender these past three years. Of course the Scarlet Knights had to rely on their grit and a last-second defensive stand that nearly gave their fans a heart attack. Video appears to show floor move under UNC star during pivotal play Trio of Saint Peter’s stars enter NCAA transfer portal after coach’s exitĬhiefs heiress and Miss Kansas USA celebrates March Madness title Manufacturer fires back at claims court was defective in crucial March Madness moment