For Cliff Omoruyi, it appears to be the last dance with Rutgers men’s basketball. Sunday’s home loss to Ohio State is likely the final home game for a player who has meant so much to the program over the past four years.
Rutgers dropped their final game of the Big Ten regular season on Sunday, 73-51 to Ohio State. The rejuvenated Buckeyes were simply too much in the second half for Rutgers.
If this is the last game at Jersey Mike’s Arena for Omoruyi, and there is plenty of reason to believe that is the case, then it was a disappointing finale to one of the best careers in program history.
Omoruyi came to Rutgers when it wasn’t a cool thing to do so, the local kid with strong national offers believing in the direction of Steve Pikiell’s program. He spent four years at Rutgers, a time that included two NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the NIT.
Against Ohio State, he had 10 points, seven rebounds and a block in the loss.
Now Rutgers (15-16, 7-13 Big Ten) will need a miracle in this week’s conference tournament to get to the postseason.
“Cliff’s recruiting journey started when he was a freshman. With the path he’s on, he’s going to be a top-20 scorer in school history,” Pikiell told reporters after Sunday’s game.
“He also achieved the dean’s list for just about any semester. It’s sad when they have to go. There aren’t going to be any more four-year guys, that isn’t where this program is headed. The fact that they stayed and continued to do what they do for our university, today didn’t go well but these guys represent us in every way, and couldn’t be more thankful. I appreciate you asking about them because it is their program.”
Omoruyi averaged 10.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season for Rutgers.
Scroll down and check out the best photos from Senior Day for Rutgers basketball in their loss against Ohio State!