Finally, Rutgers beat a Big Ten team from the state of Michigan! The 67-37 win over the Spartans was the programs first in 12 tries against Tom Izzo since becoming conference foes.
“I have tremendous respect for Michigan State,” said Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell. “Coach (Tom) Izzo is the best coach in the country. Just pleased our guys came out ready, we got out rebounded by 20 the last time we played them, huge key for us. We were connected, our bench was excellent, those guys came off our bench and gave us great energy. Our starters got us going, we really shared the basketball and obviously it’s the first time we’ve ever beaten them so long, long overdue, but we defended, and we rebounded and when we do that, we are a pretty good basketball team.