RU has finally arrived on the scene. After years of mediocre play they are now proving to be a force with back to back wins over conference leaders UConn and Syracuse. They are now 14-7 and 5-4 in conference and the NCAA buzz is already starting. Just an incredible performance down the stretch against Syracuse last night in one of the best games Ive seen in recent years. After falling down by 12 early in the game, RU would claw their way back into the game several times but each time Syracuse would stretch the lead out to the 6-8 point range. In the second half after being down by 9, RU went on an 11-2 run to take the lead and the game continued to see saw back and forth. At 72-71 with the Orangemen leading, just as he had done against UConn, Jerome Coleman took over with 2 threes and RU outscored SU 11-2 in the last 3 minutes to claim victory.

Gary Waters who had done a brilliant job with the Kent program has instilled a winning attitude and the defense he teaches these kids to play is nothing short of amazing. The intensity in which RU plays defense is really a pleasure to watch. This team has all the ingredients to be a real Cinderalla this year.The RAC is one of the loudest places to play in all of college basketball but of course the key to it being loud is the team playing well. When RU starts winning consistently at a high level it will be near impossible for any team to come in and win. Last night was the loudest Ive heard it since the OT win over UNLV in 92 but nothing will ever top the A-10 championship win at the RAC over Penn St. in 1989.

Miami plays at RU this month and boy am I nervous.

Miami has played well at Rutgers the past 2 years. Depending on the outcome of a few other games this game will have huge conference and NCAA implications. I am really impressed with the Miami program right now. They do not get the respect they deserve because they are not a name team. They play oh so tough defense and generally have been a great road team. That Miami game should be another sellout and hopefully Miami will be ranked in the top 10 by then.

Well so much for RU's fifteen minutes of fame. They proved with last nights blowout loss to Notre Dame that they arent quite ready for prime time yet. They do have Notre Dame and Miami home next week at the RAC so theyll have another opportunity to put themselves back on that bubble. They just do not play well on the road and that will hurt them big time come selection sunday.

Wow did anyone catch last nights Rutgers-Notre Dame game. I was there and Im still hyped up about it. What an incredible crowd and atmosphere for college basketball. If the RAC was the site of the Big East tournament Rutgers would be the heavy favorite. It truly has to be the one of the hardest places to win in the country. The Knights put themselves back in the running for a NCAA bid with a great hard fought victory over the Irish.A super human effort by widebody Rashod Kent who absolutely dominated the Irish last night. RU is now 6-5 and 16-8 but the rpi is lagging behind right now at 71. Miami is up next for RU on Sunday. A win then and who knows what will happen next. The BE has 9 teams vieing for probably 6 spots.

All I have to say is Dahntay who? Im glad we dont have your trash talking at RU this year...you and the rest of obnoxious Duke are perfect together.

ScarletKnight.. i was there too!! It was amazing. The 8-point turn around after Notre Dame took a 10 point lead was incredible!! The RAC looked awesome in those red-white shirts. Bring on Miami!! Too bad it's sold out, otherwise, I'd be there, too!!

R U Rah, Rah, R U Rah Rah, URA URA Rutgers Rah!!!

CHF...Ill be there Sunday screaming my lungs out. The Seton Hall game is sold out as well. Hopefully they can pull another win off and give Miami a taste of some "RACMOSPHERE". There really is a buzz starting to generate among the fans. Everyone is starved for a winner at Rutgers. The students were once again unbelievable last night and quite a few hotties too were spotted.

Congrats, Scarlet Knight, on another thrilling win for RU over a ranked team. I was happy to see it, but now am even more nervous about the game this Thursday against my Pittsburgh Panthers. Who would have guessed that a Rutgers-Pitt game in late February would be so meaningful. A Rutgers win puts them into the Big Dance, I think. A Pittsburgh win solidifies a chance for the #1 seed in the Big East Tourney and a possible #2 or 3 seed in the National Tournament. How cool is this!?!?

Great to see some different teams atop the Big East. Pitt, Rutgers and Notre Dame all playing really well. Should be a great Big East tournament!

Pitt and RU were picked to be near the bottom in the Big East West division. RU has not made the tourney since 91 and I know its been a few years since Pitt made it. The Big East is so competitive this year. The tournament will be one of the best and wide open tourneys ever. Now can the BE send 6 to the dance or believe it or not maybe even 7. I know there are no top teams but they have 9 teams rated in the top 60 rpi!

Well, Scarlett Knight, you must be disappointed with last night's game. Did you see the game, or listen to it? I honestly don't know how Pitt does it...because they play REALLY ugly at times. And free throw shooting is a mess. But, when you play as a team, you win. I still hope RU makes the NCAAs...the BE tournament will be the key for them.

Ugh yes unfortunately I watched the game last night and except for that 11-0 run by RU at the start of the second half when Waters put on the full court press the game was ugly. Had the game been at the RAC that run would have rattled Pitt but Howland made his adjustments and Pitt responded. I dont know how they do it either. They dont look particularly imposing, do not shoot that well and are an absolutely horrid free throw shooting team. However they are so well coached they know where to be on the court at all times...rebounding...loose balls...breaking pressure. Pitt was impressive last night. I think there defense will cause lots of problems for teams in the NCAA. I would not be suprised to see them in the Sweet 16 and maybe even in the Elite 8. Free throw shooting will be a problem though. Congrats to a great season for Pitt.

RU has to get their act together and now and beat the Hall at home and sweep Va Tech and Gtown on the road. I think 21 wins for them and they are in. We'll see. They just are not the same team away from the RAC.

Well, we (Pitt) did shoot nearly 70% in the second half, so I would say the team is full of streak shooters. The writers here in Pittsburgh say Pitt is peaking at the right time...everywhere except from the foul line. I also read this morning that Brandin Knight made 91 of 110 free throws in practice on Wednesday...he should have been embarassed by his performance from the line last night.

Anyway you look at it, this season has been a thrill and I think there are more thrills to come.