Rutgers, playing in its first NCAA Tournament since 1991, appeared poised to continue its magical season into the Sweet 16 — until all hell broke loose.
The Scarlet Knights watched a 10-point lead with 10 minutes remaining slowly disappear, getting outscored 16-4 in the final six minutes as the University of Houston staved off the 10-seed from a matchup with former Big East foe Syracuse in the Sweet 16.
The way in which Rutgers lost this game was a total implosion. They turned the ball over on two of its final three possessions, which allowed Houston the opportunity to take the lead and build on it, 63-60.
On the final possession, Rutgers’ Ron Harper Jr. shot a contested 3-pointer from the top of the key that was no good – sealing the win for the Cougars.
The loss led to a barrage of tweets on social media — from Rutgers alum like Eric LeGrand to fans watching the game in disbelief as the Scarlet Knights’ Cinderella run was not meant to be.
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