Big Ten Daily (Jan. 18): Rutgers Sets New Program Record in OT Win Over Nebraska

Rutgers only shot 38.5% from the floor, but set a new program record in a Big Ten game with 56 rebounds in an 87-82 overtime win over Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights also scored 20 second-chance points off of 25 offensive boards.

Rutgers might be able to launch a new window-cleaning service after Wednesday night's 87-82 overtime win over Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights dominated the glass, collecting 56 rebounds in the victory, a new program record in a Big Ten game.

Cliff Omoruyi was the most effective on the glass, collecting 15 boards in a double-double effort. He also scored 14 points. 

All five starters reached double figures, with Aundre Hyatt leading the team with 17 points. Derek Simpson added 14 points and hauled in eight rebounds. Mawot Mag scored 16 and Austin Williams chipped in 11. 

The effectiveness on the glass — especially on the offensive end — proved to be the difference Wednesday night. Rutgers shot just 38.5% from the floor and made only 16-of-30 free throw attempts. But the Scarlet Knights finished the evening with 20 second-chance points off of 25 offensive rebounds.

At times throughout the year, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell harped on Rutgers' ineffectiveness on the boards. He saw much better effort on Wednesday.

"Just proud of our guys because it wasn't one of our strengths early on," Pikiell said. "We challenged our guards, they weren't rebounding early in the year. Austin coming back from his injury helps us. Obviously, Mawot, along with Cliff, is one of the best defenders in the country, and he rebounds, too.

"Aundre has been sticking his nose in there. It's a team effort. We've done a really good job, because we were really not good in that area for a while and it hurt us. ... We gotta keep doing that. The team that rebounds is usually the team that wins."

Rutgers showed plenty of resolve in front of its home crowd on Wednesday. It erased a pair of 12-point leads in the game to steal the win. When shots weren't falling, the Scarlet Knights got the job done defensively.

Nebraska's C.J. Wilcher hit a 3-pointer to give the Huskers a 63-51 advantage with 9:39 left in the second half. They did not make another field goal until overtime.

After starting the year 0-4 in Big Ten play, Rutgers has now won two of its last three games. Rebounding has been a big key. In last week's 66-57 win over Indiana, the Scarlet Knights outrebounded the Hoosiers 52-40. They also secured 19 offensive boards.

Rutgers will be put to the test in the next two games, playing No. 14 Illinois on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network) before returning home to play No. 2 Purdue the following Sunday (1 p.m. ET, Fox).

Jahmir Young Drops 36 in Loss

Maryland was unable to get a second straight road win on Wednesday night, but it came at no fault of Jahmir Young. The Terrapins guard scored 36 points in a 72-69 loss to Northwestern.

Wednesday's game was as entertaining as any we've had in the Big Ten this year. No lead ever exceeded six points, and Northwestern's Boo Buie attempted to match Young, scoring 20 points and dishing out seven assists. 

Young and Buie traded jabs in the final 1:30 of the game. With Maryland trailing 64-60, Young scored on back-to-back possessions to tie the score. Buie provided an answer, knocking down a jumper to put the Wildcats back on top by two points.

On the next possession, Young buried a 3-pointer to give the Terps a 67-66 advantage.

Did you see that swish? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QcH1V4g9FJ

— Maryland On BTN (@MarylandOnBTN) January 18, 2024

 Buie responded with a bucket of his own, putting Northwestern back on top. Young couldn't match, missing his next shot.

Northwestern then secured the game at the free throw line. 

BOO BUIE TAKES IT TO THE HOOP TO GO UP ONE! 😤 @NUMensBball x @booboo_buie pic.twitter.com/fyoZFfWXXc

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 18, 2024

After the game, Northwestern coach Chris Collins breathed a huge sigh of relief. He also paid a high compliment to Young.

"He was terrific," Collins said. "You gotta tip your hat to him. We were trying everything. They do a really good job — Kevin (Willard) is a terrific coach — they to a good job of giving him space.

"Terrific, terrific player. One of the best players in our league. Just fortunate to get that one stop at the end when we needed it."

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