Rutgers beats Wisconsin 58-57: Rapid Reaction Video & Recap

With Caleb McConnell unable to play after suffering back spasms in pregame warmups, a gut check game for Rutgers took on even more weight. Through it all, RU battled and made two huge defensive stops in the final minute of the game to defeat Wisconsin 58-57 on the road. It was a tremendous response by this team after the worst performance of the season just a few days prior in the home loss to Nebraska.

Despite taking a 50-45 lead with under 8 minutes to play, Wisconsin stormed back with four three-pointers to lead 57-54 with 3:36 to play. Rutgers regained its identity with tremendous defense and held the Badgers scoreless the rest of the way. A Cliff Omoruyi dunk assisted by Paul Mulcahy cut the Badger lead to 1 point. On the next possession with the shot clock running out, Derek Simpson made a smart play driving the baseline. Although he missed the contested layup, Aundre Hyatt was there for the offensive rebound and putback. It turned out to be the game winner.

Rutgers held the foursome of Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl, and Connor Essegian to just 23 points combined. The four best Badgers average a combined 48 points per game for the season. While Wisconsin saw some great performances from the bench, it wasn’t enough. Wisconsin shot just 33% from the floor and while they made 12 threes, they were just 33% overall.

Another key was offensive rebounds. Wisconsin had a 9-4 advantage, but Rutgers held a 8-2 advantage in second chance points. That was huge in a one point victory.

Hyatt played very well in the win in a bit of a different role. He stayed mostly away from the perimeter taking just two threes. However, he was great defensively in the interior, scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. He brought Rutgers a toughness on both ends of the floor they desperately needed. I thought of anyone he deserved the game ball. It was the closest we’ve seen anyone fill the role left by Mawot Mag.

Cam Spencer stepped up in a big way and scored 19 first half points to help Rutgers lead 36-34 at the half. He made his first five three-pointers and made another big triple in the second half to finish with a game high 22 points. He added 5 rebounds and played solid defensively as well.

Cliff Omoruyi finished with 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. He was excellent on the defensive end.

Rutgers is now 17-10 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten play. They’ll host Michigan at home on Thursday, February 23.

Here is my rapid reaction video that includes my analysis on the win, discussing the heart of this team and what’s next moving forward.

Editor’s Note: I cite in the video it was a Quad 1 win, but Wisconsin dropped from No. 74 to No. 76 today. That makes it a Quad 2 for now.