GBMWolverine
Fansided

Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from a pressing win at Rutgers

By Nick Popio

Feb 23, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines gestures as he talks to Kobe Bufkin #2 during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines gestures as he talks to Kobe Bufkin #2 during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Michigan basketball improves to 16-1 in this one-sided series history

That’s not a misprint, that’s the all-time, head-to-head between these two schools which leans heavily in Michigan’s favor. January 4th, 2022 was the only win for Rutgers ever against Michigan. It happened in Piscataway on a night where Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr. combined for 47. Both have graduated since then.

The one meeting that was cancelled was back in 2020 due to the start of covid. The Big Ten followed suit of the rest of the college basketball world and decided it was not safe to play and the remainder of that season was over. Historically Rutgers has always played the maize and blue tight, and Thursday was no different.

Under Steve Pikiell, Rutgers has become more formidable year in and year out, so winning in such a hostile environment will give Michigan basketball more confidence as things wind down.

Every game from here on out is a do-or-die for for Michigan and for those that are in a similar position to them. This is their one last chance to dream for a trip to March madness or settle for the NIT.

Home/Michigan Basketball