Rutherford’s Runner Defeats Ohio State 79-77
Nick Rutherford banked in a runner with one second remaining to give the Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team a 79-77 win over Ohio State on Tuesday night. It was the program’s first ever win over a Big Ten program.
The Turning Point
Trailing by 11 with 9:32 to go, FAU scored the next 14 points to take a 61-58 lead with just under six minutes left, setting up the dramatic finish.
The Finish
Frank Booker stole the ball, giving the Owls possession with 26 seconds left in overtime and the score tied at 77. Rutherford drove into the paint and hit the floater to put FAU (3-5) up with one second left. Adonis Filersnatched the inbounds pass to seal the win over the Buckeyes.
Filer tied his career high 23 points, adding three steals and two assists.Jeantal Cylla and Frank Bookerhad 15 points each.Nick Rutherfordscored 11 points, including the game-winner, and had a career high nine rebounds, in addition to four assists.Jailyn Ingramtallied 10 points, his fifth straight double-digit game and also had four rebounds and three assists.Ronald Delphhad just two points, but pulled down 10 rebounds.The win was just the fifth time a non-conference opponent has beaten the Buckeyes in Value City Arena in the Thad Matta era.The win is the first true road win for the Owls since an 86-71 defeat of UTSA on Jan. 23 of this year.Quotable
FAU Sophomore Guard Nick Rutherford
On his game winner…
“I saw space in the paint, so I was able to get around my man and put it off the glass.”
“I actually work on that move and that shot a lot. I got that (shot) from my dad and I work on it with (assistant) Coach (Ron) Oliver.”
On the importance of the win…
“It’s huge just to show people that we can play with top-tier teams. (Ohio State) is a great team. Our record doesn’t show it, but we’re a great team too. It’s good to play on a big stage like this and get a win.”
“I know it sounds cliché, but mentally, we were prepared to win.”
FAU Head Coach Michael Curry
“Both in terms of the overall program and this season in particular, this is the kind of the game that we will always be able to pull things from.”
Looking Ahead
The Owls will take some time off for exams before traveling to Miami on Friday, Dec. 16. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.