College basketball fans troll Big Ten after Rutgers chokes against Houston
By Scott Rogust
College basketball fans had a field day on social media after watching Rutgers lose in heartbreaking fashion to Houston.
The Big Ten has become the brunt of all jokes in this year’s NCAA Tournament. No. 2 Ohio State lost in the first round to No.15 Oral Roberts, No. 4 Purdue was handed defeat by No. 13 North Texas, Michigan State was eliminated by UCLA in the First Four round, No. 1 Illinois was ousted from the tournament by Sister Jean’s Loyola Chicago Ramblers, and Wisconsin was kicked out by No. 1 Baylor. The best chance the Big Ten had to have a representative in the Sweet 16 was with Rutgers. Did they manage to break the curse?
Sadly, no.
Rutgers held a 58-49 lead over No. 2 Houston near the tail end of the second half. All they had to do was hold on, score some more points and they would clinch a spot in the Sweet 16. Unfortunately, the Cougars went on a 14-2 run to win 63-60. As if the loss was not bad enough for Rutgers, college basketball fans used it to troll the Big Ten for their lack of success in the big dance.
Rutgers on the last possession: pic.twitter.com/kitWpzwM1m
— John E. Simpson, MD (@JohnESimpsonMD) March 22, 2021
The basketball Gods when Rutgers shows signs of competence pic.twitter.com/LPhoe7J5KU
— J.J. Post (@JayJayPost) March 22, 2021
I’d say that Rutgers collapse was the most embarrassing thing to happen to a Big Ten team this tournament. But let’s be honest — that’s not even making the podium.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) March 22, 2021
Rutgers was in the end actually a Big Ten team https://t.co/1mI2AoYMIo
— Jeff Parles (@jeffparles) March 22, 2021
Rutgers keeping the Big Ten consistent with no Sweet 16 teams so far.
— Brice Antons (@briceONEnation) March 22, 2021
if rutgers were to win that game, i would’ve officially accepted them into the big ten. but they didn’t. so i don’t.
— Dirty Lenny (@leisurely_lenny) March 22, 2021
Rutgers had this game.
— The K (@Frank_The_K) March 22, 2021
But, you know Big Ten.
Rutgers blown lead results in Round of 32 elimination
The Cougars awakened with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. They broke out of their deficit thanks to 3-point shots by guards DeJon Jarreau and Quentin Grimes, while also converting on 6-of-11 free throw attempts.
With nine seconds on the clock down 63-60, Rutgers guard Ron Harper Jr. attempted a 3-point shot to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime. But the shot missed just wide, Houston secured the defensive rebound and the Cougars celebrated on the court in front of the dejected Rutgers team.
Rutgers guard Geo Baker shined in the second-round game, as he scored 14 points (5-of-10 shooting from the field), dished out 4 assists and recorded 2 rebounds. As for Houston, Grimes led the way with 22 points (7-for-15 from the floor), while also recording 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.
The Big Ten’s last hopes of a team making it past the Round of 32 are No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Iowa and No. 10 Maryland. Rutgers was oh so close, but they fell just short.
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