The Rutgers University men’s basketball team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament bracket on Selection Sunday and there was a large contingent expressing their displeasure on social media.
When the 68 teams that made the dance were announced, Rutgers, which has a 19-14 record on the season (10-10 in the conference), was left out despite the fact that the selection committee believed they would be drawn.
“Rutgers is upset,” The Ringer’s John Jastremski wrote on Twitter. “I don’t understand how you got 4 teams from Town West…”
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Paul Mulcay #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights answers the call during the second half of the Big Ten men’s basketball quarterfinal game against the Purdue Boilermakers at the United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The Purdue Boilermakers beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 70-65. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
The admissions committee reviews each team’s schedules, and most importantly, the strength of those schedules.
But Rutgers Wire’s Christian Dyer said he believes the one tournament team selected from Rutgers was a “shockingly bad” call.
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New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy adds another perspective on the issue.
“#Feel bad for the Rutgers seniors, but this may be a late wake-up call, the program needs to plan better in November and December. NJ high school has better night games,” he tweeted.
Caleb McConnell #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights dribbles against Fletcher Loyer #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten men’s basketball quarterfinal game at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Rutgers has been able to land top talent this season. They beat one of the No. 1 seeds in the tournament and the winners of the Big Ten Tournament at Purdue on Jan. 2, 65-64. But they have struggled to maintain consistency against others, including losing seven of their last 10 games.
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Rutgers wasn’t the only team to withdraw from the tournament. Oklahoma was another state that some believed could do it, but they weren’t the focus of the committee. UNC, however, made some bad history after losing the most games of any AP preseason No. 1 seed, and they also missed the tournament.
However, Rutgers will nod to play in the National Invitational Tournament, according to head coach Steve Pikiell.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at the United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
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“Yeah, absolutely,” Pikiell said, via NJ.com. “We’re just trying to keep playing. I want Caleb (McConnell) and Paul (Mulcahy) to play as many games as possible. I don’t want this season to end. This group has been really great and good. So much for us…Playing home games for these guys It’s important to have the opportunity and I think (to end the season) I’m not going to apologize for the postseason game.
