‘Danger time’: What they’re saying about Rutgers after stunning meltdown against Minnesota

Holding a 10-point lead over last-place Minnesota, Rutgers was 75 seconds away from unofficially punching its third consecutive NCAA Tournament ticket at Williams Arena on Thursday.

Somehow, the Scarlet Knights (17-12, 10-9) were outscored 15-4 in that stretch, suffering a stunning 75-74 loss to the Golden Gophers — a team that had lost its previous 12 games, that owned the worst offense and defense in the Big Ten, that entered the game ranked 224th in KenPom’s efficiency rankings — and putting themselves squarely on the March Madness bubble and sets up another sweaty Selection Sunday.

Here’s what they said about Rutgers after its epic meltdown against Minnesota:

“Pain.” — Rutgers basketball great Geo Baker.

“Here is the problem with Rutgers resume right now… 4 bad L’s – the worst of any team in the field. 4-8 R/N – 2nd worst of any team in the field. Strength of Record: worst in the field. NCSOS: worst in the field. 2-5 since Mag injury.” — Acclaimed bracketologist Brad Wachtel.

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“Rutgers wouldn’t move its game at Minnesota up two days to help MSU…then loses at Minnesota anyway.” — Kyle Austin, Michigan State beat writer, MLive.

“Rutgers choked that away so badly just in the last 20 seconds. Turnover up 3, missed box out to lead to a putback to cut it to one, missing first free throw, making second free throw, and leaving Battle wide open. Atrocious finish.” — Jonathan Warriner, Making the Madness.

“HOLY GOD MINNESOTA JUST BEAT RUTGERS AT THE BUZZER IT’S MARCH.” — Matt Norlander, CBS Sports.

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“oh my. Rutgers just lost to Minnesota, 75-74, in Minneapolis. totally unexpected. Knights are 18-12, 10-9 in a B1G with eight teams ahead of them in the standings. danger time.” — Longtime New York Daily News college basketball writer Dick Weiss.

“Sunday: Historic 19-point comeback at Penn State in 2nd half. Thursday: Blow 10-point lead in final 1:15 at Minnesota, the worst Big Ten team. Never change, Rutgers.” — Greg Bedard, Boston Sports Journal.

“Lightning strikes against Rutgers at Minnesota. Don’t know what’s more shocking. RU’s normally great D allowing the same kid to singlehandedly beat them late. Or the disgraceful post-game delay, waiting to confirm what was obvious at home, that there was no delayed clock start.” — Joey Wahler, ABC Radio.

“Oh my goodness. Rutgers in trouble next Sunday now?” — Jake Marsch, Barstool Sports.

“The Rutgers resume is bizarre. They have 6 Quad 1 wins but also 4 Quad 3 losses. But slipping below .500 vs Quad 1-3 opponents (11-12 now) means that Rutgers is treading in dangerous bubble waters.” — Jeff, Basketball Predictions.

“Rutgers just lost at Minnesota. Scarlet Knights have now dropped 5 of their last 7. Huge game Sunday at home against Northwestern.” — Jeff Goodman, Stadium.

“Steve Pikiell refusing to help out MSU after the shooting & moving this game by a day really paid off! Karma.” — Justin Thind, 247Sports.

“Rutgers what have you done” — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star.

“Rutgers led Minnesota by 10 with 1:15 left. It just lost by one at the buzzer. Anarchy? Nope. Just College Basketball.” — Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports.

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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.