2020 Big Ten Super Saturday: Michigan vs Rutgers
Every year, Madison Square Garden host the Big Ten Conference Super Saturday event. This year featured a matchup between The Michigan Wolverines and the No. 25 ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This marked the second time the two teams have participated in the event but the first time that they actually competed against each other. These are two very well coached programs and each team was looking to add a W in the win column of their respective records. Rutgers (16-5 Overall 7-3 Big Ten) came into the contest winners of four of their last five games while Michigan (12-8 Overall 3-6) under first year Head Coach Juwan Howard was nationally ranked for seven weeks, reaching as high as No. 4. The Garden was filled to capacity with the majority of the fans sporting red in support of the Scarlet Knights. Ultimately, Michigan would defeat Rutgers 69-63.
New York City. Madison Square Garden: The Michigan Wolverines pulled off a win at the Mecca vs. 25th ranked Rutgers as part of the Big Ten Super Saturday event. Photo Courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
For Rutgers, the game started out slow with them not shooting well. In the first half they couldn’t buy a bucket going 33% from the field. From 3 point territory Rutgers shot a dismal 25% connecting on 6 of 25 attempts. There were moments where Rutgers would make runs and almost appear to be mounting a comeback but ultimately they couldn’t get over the hump. A sold Out Madison Square Garden was dominated by Scarlet Knights fans sporting red. The crowd acting a the sixth man, willed their team all night long. Rutgers were actually able to take their first lead of the game early in the 2nd half feeding from that energy. Then came a Michigan run that stretched their lead back to many as 14 points soon after.
New York City. Madison Square Garden: Rutgers Guard Geo Baker walks the ball up the court late in the game attempting to cut the Michigan lead. Photo Courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Michigan went inside early and often and often and dominated play in the paint all game long. The combination of Brandon John’s Jr. and Jon Teske proved to be too much for the undersized Scarlet Knights as they scored 20 and 13 points, respectively. Michigan Point guard Zavier Simpson also was a key contributor for first year Head Coach, Juwan Howard’s Wolverines by scoring 9 points and dishing out 10 assists.
New York City. Madison Square Garden: First year Head Coach Juwan Howard barking orders to his team late in the 2nd half. Photo Courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Towards the end of regulation the game got really interesting. Rutgers stormed back and with a late surge, highlighted by a late game 3 pointer by Rutgers Guard Geo Baker, got within 2 points. Rutgers couldn’t get it done and ended up losing the game by 6 points. Michigan was able to seal the deal converting on some clutch free throws down the stretch.