One thing we know about a Steve Pikiell-led team is that it will not quit.
Rutgers fell behind by as many as 19 in the second half against Michigan State, and 15 with just over a minute remaining.
The Scarlet Knights made their final nine shots, scoring 21 points in the final 79 seconds, and came within range of what would have been a historic comeback.
The Spartans knocked down free throws in the end and Rutgers ran out of time during a 91-87 loss in East Lansing. Rutgers is now 0-9 all-time at the Breslin
Center.
Tariq Francis led Rutgers (12-18, 5-14) with 25 points and five assists while Lino Mark added 14 points. Both knocked down big-time shots in the final minute to get Rutgers within shouting distance.
A low-scoring start played at a snail’s pace allowed Rutgers to hang around in the first half. The Scarlet Knights led 12-9 eight minutes into the game and 25-22 with five minutes remaining.
Rutgers forced Michigan State (25-5, 15-4) to play a half-court game in the first half, but the Spartans transition attack got going in the second and it led to a highlight reel.
Coen Carr slammed three dunks on consecutive possessions, including two alley-oops, followed by a Jordan Scott dunk — all assisted by Jeremy Fears Jr. — to get the crowd off its feet and build a double-digit lead.
Carr and Fears Jr. scored 21 points each. The point guard added eight assists. The Spartans scored 46 points in the paint and outrebounded Rutgers, 38-21.
The deficit ballooned to 19 with 6:17 remaining, but Rutgers was able to catch fire and put a scare into the Spartans before the comeback attempt fell short.
Rutgers will return home to take on Penn State in the regular-season finale on Saturday afternoon. With a win, the Scarlet Knights will secure a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
