There’s statement wins, then there’s what the Rutgers men’s basketball team did to Illinois on Wednesday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, N.J.
Bristol native and former St. Paul standout Steve Pikiell’s Scarlet Knights, who were drilled by 35 points in the first meeting with the Illini back in December in Champaign, Ill., got a message of revenge with a 70-59 win. What makes this victory stand out for Rutgers is that it is a program record fourth straight win against a ranked foe. Illinois was ranked No. 12, is one of the Big Ten’s top teams, and is led by seven-foot, 285-pound giant Kofi Cockburn. Cockburn scored the first Illini points, but the Scarlet Knights took control of the game in the second half and led by as many as 21 points before holding off the Illini late.
Rutgers began its win streak against ranked teams in dominant fashion with an 84-63 thrashing of No. 13 Michigan State at home on Feb. 5. The Scarlet Knights outlasted No. 16 Ohio State at home, 66-64, on Feb. 9. On Feb. 12, Rutgers downed No. 14 Wisconsin, 73-65, on the road.
There were people who wanted Pikiell fired when things weren’t going well. The success Rutgers is having is a testament to patience and believing in a plan. If it wasn’t obvious before, it certainly is now. Pikiell can coach, and he is coaching one dangerous team.
Photo credit: Rutgers University athletics website
