PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Jeremiah Williams scored 18 points and Rutgers used stifling defense to lead the entire game and hand No. 11 Wisconsin its fourth straight loss 78-56 on Saturday.
The Scarlet Knights (13-10, 5-7 Big Ten) scored 15 points off 12 Wisconsin turnovers to secure their third straight victory. Noah Fernandes contributed 17 points and Clifford Omoruyi added 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Connor Essegian and AJ Storr scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, for Wisconsin (16-8, 8-5). The Badgers never got within single digits in the second half.
The Scarlet Knights shot 59% on three-pointers (10 of 17).
Williams had not played in a college basketball game in nearly two years (709 days) before being activated before Rutgers' game at Michigan on Feb. 3. The Iowa State transfer suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last year and then had to miss. 20 games this season for violating NCAA gaming policy.
“I just kept working and staying positive,” Williams said. “It's everything to play on this stage.”
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said Williams adds an intangible beyond his ability to score and distribute.
“I love his personality,” Pikiell said. “He's always smiling, loves to practice and has given us a voice on the court. I'm grateful he's out there.”
After the Badgers closed to within 54-44 on a 6-0 burst, Rutgers fought back with five straight points from Fernandes to move ahead 59-44 with 8:12 remaining.
Rutgers took advantage of 11 Wisconsin turnovers in the first half to build a 37-28 lead. It was the fewest points scored in the first half for the Badgers in a Big Ten game this season.
“They [Rutgers] “They were more aggressive than us,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “We were too hesitant.” We did not respond either above or below the lineup. I'm disappointed in how we reacted to the pressure. That is the most important”.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE SURVEY
Wisconsin will most likely fall in the poll after consecutive 8-point losses to Nebraska in overtime, 6 points to No. 2 Purdue, 4 points to Michigan and now 22 points to Rutgers.
BIG PICTURE
Wisconsin: Part of the Badgers' spiral is their inability to make 3-pointers. They were just 5 of 21 against Rutgers after 5 of 19 against Michigan and 3 of 19 against Purdue.
Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights have been encouraged by the return of Williams, who was out due to injury and NCAA eligibility. In his first two games before Saturday, both won by Rutgers, he averaged 12 points and 5.5 rebounds and shot 42.9% from the field. His emergence has provided stability to a roster that has been plagued by transfers and injuries during the offseason.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Wisconsin: Hosts Ohio State on Tuesday night.
Rutgers: Hosts Northwestern on Thursday.
