Rutgers all but locks up NCAA bid

It’s now all but a formality that Rutgers is going to the NCAA Tournament. Jacob Young ensured it.

The senior guard refused to let the Scarlet Knights blow this opportunity. He wouldn’t allow an extended losing streak to ruin a chance at March Madness.

Young’s steal late in regulation and his dynamic performance in overtime keyed a 77-70 victory over flatlining Minnesota in Minneapolis, a win that should end the team’s 30year NCAA Tournament drought. The COVID-19 pandemic wiped away last year’s tournament after those Scarlet Knights’ strong season.

“It’s just a blessing,” Young said of what should be the team’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 1991. “We’re just doing it [for] our fans. I know you’ve been waiting a long time for this. We punched that ticket.”

Young led the way with 23 points, seven assists, four steals and terrific defense on Marcus Carr, the Minnesota star who was held to seven points on 1-of-13 shooting. Myles Johnson added nine points and 15 rebounds for Rutgers and Geo Baker had 12 points.

Coach Steve Pikiell reminded his players of the regular-season finale last March, when they beat Purdue on the road in overtime that seemed to seal a bid at the time. Rutgers also had blown a late lead in regulation that day, only to rally in the extra session.

The Scarlet Knights responded by scoring the first six points of overtime. Minnesota twice got within three, but each time, Rutgers (14-10, 10-10 Big Ten) responded to send the Golden Gophers (13-14, 6-14) to their seventh straight loss.