For the first time in three decades (lost in the first round to the state of Arizona on March 15, 1991), the Rutgers men’s basketball program made it to the NCAA tournament. Scarlet Knights (15-11) will face Clemson (16-7) on Friday as the 10th seed, announced during the March Madness selection broadcast on ESPN on Sunday.
Want to bet on March Madness?
Get free bets, risk free bets and enhanced odds offers from the best licensed NJ sports betting sites.
See the best sports betting sites in NJ
Note: State law prohibits betting on NJ college teams
Some believe that Rutgers could pass the Tigers and enter the second round. Both are tough defensive teams – Rutgers, led by Myles Johnson from the inside – but they have been fighting offensively. However, in Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker, Rutgers has players who can create their own attack, while not many Tigers can. Let’s get some reactions from Rutgers alumni, analysts and fans.
Eric LeGrand, who was famous for suffering a spinal cord injury while making a defensive tackle on Rutgers and inspired the country with his will, is ready for the NCAA tournament “Bring on Clemson”.
New Jersey native and former UK student WXFR journalist Aaron Farrar was more than happy to see his school back at the big dance after 30 years.
Bakari Sellers, a former member of the Chamber of Deputies, has been following the two teams and knows what direction Friday’s game can take.
Our own Steve Politi thinks that the Scarlet Knights are well positioned to face the Tigers right off the bat.
Here is a reaction from Aaron Breitman, editor-in-chief of SB Nation’s Rutgers website, On The Banks. He looks at the two teams for Friday’s clash and looks even further.
The combination is so good for Rutgers that it makes WBOY 12 news reporter and Rutgers alumnus Jake Ostrove think about the possibilities.
Scarlet Nation reporter Steven Merrill caught a huge reaction from Rutgers fans at Tavern on George when they heard the name of Rutgers and his opponent during the ESPN broadcast.
Thank you for trusting us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a signature.
Todderick Hunt can be reached at [email protected].