SB Nation New York - Rutgers 77, Villanova 76: Miracle 4-Point Play Beats No. 9 'Novahttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2011-02-09T22:58:54-05:00http://newyork.sbnation.com/rss/stream/17482302011-02-09T22:58:54-05:002011-02-09T22:58:54-05:00Rutgers 77, Villanova 76: Jonathan Mitchell Converts Last-Second, 4-Point Play To Help Upset No. 9 Wildcats
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<p>The Rutgers basketball program pulled off what some would call a miracle Wednesday night. The Scarlet Knights, who trailed by as much as 13 points in the second half, used a last-second 4-point play from senior forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/29056/jonathan-mitchell" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Mitchell</a>, who netted a game-best 25 points, to defeat the Villanova Wildcats (No. 9 in the AP poll and No. 10 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll) in a Big East Conference game at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.</p>
<p>Rutgers (13-11, 4-8 Big East) trailed 76-73 with 6.3 seconds remaining after 'Nova's senior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26315/corey-fisher" class="sbn-auto-link">Corey Fisher</a> made one of two free throws. However, Fisher went from upset savior to goat when he fouled Mitchell, who attempted a game-tying 3-pointer as the game's final seconds ticked away. Mitchell's 3-ball found the bottom of the net and the senior converted the miracle 4-point play that helped give the Scarlet Knights the one-point victory, which led to fans storming the court.</p>
<p>Mitchell scored 12 of his 25 in the last eight minutes. Senior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100034/james-beatty" class="sbn-auto-link">James Beatty</a> added 15 points, including a 3-pointer that trimmed 'Nova margin to 75-73 with 11 seconds to go. Freshmen forwards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124206/mike-poole" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Poole</a> chipped in with 11-bench points while teammate <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124208/gilvydas-biruta" class="sbn-auto-link">Gilvydas Biruta</a> tallied nine points and nine rebounds.</p>
<p><i>The Rutgers basketball schedule features the Scarlet Knights hosting the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/seton-hall-pirates" class="sbn-auto-link">Seton Hall Pirates</a> on Saturday night (7 p.m.). Next Saturday, Rutgers is at the No. 12/13 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange" class="sbn-auto-link">Syracuse Orange</a> (4 p.m.).</i></p>
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<th class="td-left"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/70244">Final - 2.9.2011 </a> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/villanova-wildcats">Villanova Wildcats</a> </span></td>
<td>35</td>
<td>41</td>
<td class="highlight">76</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> </span></td>
<td>28</td>
<td>49</td>
<td class="highlight">77</td>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/70244">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights/2011/2/9/1985514/rutgers-77-villanova-76-final-score-jonathan-mitchell-converts-lastJared Smith2011-02-09T11:59:19-05:002011-02-09T11:59:19-05:00Rutgers Vs. Villanova: Scarlet Knight Try To Upset No. 9 Wildcats
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<p>(Sports Network) -- The ninth-ranked Villanova Wildcats are very much alive in the race for the Big East regular season title, and they are slated to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on the road this evening.</p>
<p>Back-to-back victories have enabled Villanova to move to 19-4 overall, including 7-3 in league action. The Wildcats are fresh off a 66-50 triumph over West Virginia on Saturday in a game that featured a tremendous defensive performance by the home team. They have played seven true road games to date, five of which have resulted in victory.</p>
<p>Four consecutive losses have dropped Rutgers to 12-11 overall, including 3-8 in Big East Conference action. On Sunday, the Scarlet Knights fell to Notre Dame by a 76-69 final to fall to 2-6 on the road. Fortunately, they are 9-3 at home and figure to play with confidence tonight.</p>
<p>Villanova holds a 25-8 series lead over Rutgers, which includes a 26-point romp over the Scarlet Knights last season.</p>
<p><i>The Rutgers basketballs schedule features the Scarlet Knights hosting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/seton-hall-pirates">Seton Hall Pirates</a> on Saturday night (7 p.m.). Next Saturday, Rutgers is at the No. 12/13 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> (4 p.m.).</i></p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/villanova-wildcats">Villanova Wildcats</a> <br> <span>@ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/70244">Wednesday, Feb 9, 2011, 8:00 PM EST</a><br> Louis Brown Athletic Center</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/70244">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/2/9/2329470/rutgers-vs-villanova-scarlet-knight-try-to-upset-no-9-wildcatsJared Smith