January 19, 2022

VENUE: JERSEY MIKE’S ARENA, PISCATAWAY, NJ

THE RAC, RUTGERS’ HOME BASKETBALL COURT

CONFERENCE: BIG 10

The most impressive part of tonight’s game was how UNimpressive the score was. Rutgers 48 Iowa 46 . .. a defensive clinic to the bitter end.

Iowa’s Steve Keegan, the most prolific scorer in the nation, was curbed to 13 points. The most impressive part of Iowa’s offense was the total of air balls and shot clock violations. Rutgers all but shut down one of the standout offenses in the nation.

The Scarlet Knights are fast becoming a team of memorable performances. Earlier this season, December 9 (2021) #1 Purdue visited here and were treated to a solemn ride back home to Indiana . In the final 13 seconds, Rutgers’ Ron Harper rebounded, dribbled to half-court and shot. Nothing but net. Rutgers 70 – Purdue 68 . Bedlam ensued at the RAC.

I would posit that athletic competition on the college level is one of our national treasures, still pure and excellent. It is where young ladies and gentlemen play their hearts out , much to the enjoyment of our people and yet without the vicissitudes wrought by the almighty buck.

I watched Ron Harper’s post-game TV interview. He was intelligent and well-spoken . I’ll be ridiculed for saying this, but I had this thought: If our colleges are producing individuals of this character, then we’re doing alright for ourselves.