Rutgers vs Michigan 82-84: Burnett's buzzer-beater breaks Rutgers' hearts

Rutgers basketball was one stop away from securing its biggest win of the season, a statement victory that would have signalled its resurgence in the Big Ten.

Instead, the Scarlet Knights fell victim to a defensive lapse in the final moments, allowing Michigan’s Nimari Burnett to sink a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing an 84-82 defeat for Rutgers on Thursday night at Crisler Arena.

The loss denied Rutgers (14-15, 7-11 Big Ten) its first three-game winning streak in conference play, despite leading No. 15 Michigan (22-6, 14-3) by as many as 13 points. The heartbreaking finish underscored the Scarlet Knights’ ongoing defensive struggles, which have plagued them throughout the season.

“It’s just devastating,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said in his postgame radio interview. “Played so hard the whole time. Just frustrating when you play that well and lose on a play like that.”

Rutgers’ defensive breakdown

Detroit native Tyson Acuff (16 points) put Rutgers ahead 82-81 with two free throws in the final 12 seconds, but Michigan had the final possession. Inbounding with 3.6 seconds remaining, the Wolverines worked the ball to forward Danny Wolf, who evaded a double-team and found Burnett open on the left wing. Freshman guard Dylan Harper hesitated on his close-out, giving Burnett just enough space to launch his game-winning shot.

Rutgers opened the game with a blistering offensive performance, scoring 57 first-half points—their highest in a half since 2013. The combination of postgrads Tyson Acuff and Zach Martini stretching the floor and the dynamic play of Harper and Ace Bailey gave the Scarlet Knights an early advantage. However, after shooting 67% in the first half, Rutgers cooled down significantly in the second, allowing Michigan to claw back.

The Wolverines dominated inside, scoring 48 points in the paint. Pikiell’s decision to give backup centre Emmanuel Ogbole extended minutes in the second half proved costly, as Michigan capitalised on his rustiness.

Big Ten officiating under scrutiny

A familiar theme in Big Ten play, the home team benefited from a significant free-throw disparity. Michigan attempted 32 free throws compared to Rutgers’ 18, outscoring them 21-13 at the line. Rutgers was called for 23 fouls, while Michigan was whistled for 15.

“The Big Ten whistle was in full effect,” Pikiell remarked. “But we had chances. We just needed one stop.”

Big Ten tournament implications

Despite the loss, Rutgers remains in contention for a Big Ten Tournament spot. The Scarlet Knights have now scored 80 or more points in three consecutive conference games for the first time since 1991. However, they must quickly regroup to secure their place in the tournament.

Rutgers currently sits just outside the bottom three of the conference standings, where the last-place teams will miss the tournament:

• Ohio State (8-10) – Holds tiebreaker over Rutgers

• Nebraska (7-10) – Rutgers holds tiebreaker

• Rutgers (7-11)

• Iowa (6-11) – Holds tiebreaker over Rutgers

• Minnesota (6-11) – Faces Rutgers on 9 March

• Northwestern (6-11) – Rutgers holds tiebreaker

• USC (6-11) – Rutgers holds tiebreaker

• Penn State (5-13)

• Washington (4-13)

Looking ahead

The Scarlet Knights must regroup quickly ahead of their final regular-season matchups. Their ability to respond to this devastating loss will determine their fate in the postseason. If their recent offensive form continues and defensive lapses are addressed, Rutgers could still be a formidable challenge in March.