Rothstein Files: Five Observations From Rutgers-GW

By Jon Rothstein
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1. MORE OF THE SAME

It feels like the same story keeps repeating itself for Rutgers. Build a big lead then lose it, but manage to escape with a narrow win over an opponent you should beat easily in your own building. We don't know where the Scarlet Knights are going to finish this season in the Big East standings, but we do know they better rectify their issues before conference play begins in three weeks.

2. SPEED BALL

The moments that Rutgers looked exceptional in Tuesday night's 68-65 win over George Washington was when the Scarlet Knights pushed the ball in transition. Mike Rice is regularly playing ten guys every game and it seems abundantly clear that this team is better when the pace of the game is faster.

3. JACKED UP

Kadeem Jack no longer appears to be a project. The 6-9 power forward looked like a solid Big East front court player against George Washington and is getting more comfortable with each game he plays. In 21 minutes against the Colonials, Jack scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked two shots. On a night filled with inconsistencies for Rutgers, Jack was a major bright spot.

4. ARMED AND READY

Isaiah Armwood will have two high-level years at George Washington. The former Villanova forward seems to be at ease in his native DC and appears ready to become one of the impact players in the Atlantic 10. In the loss to Rutgers, Armwood had 18 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, three steals, and three assists.

5. BRIGHT FUTURE

George Washington may not be a factor in the Atlantic 10 this year, but Mike Lonergan has this program in excellent position moving forward. A year from now, Armwood figures to be one of the better players in the conference and the Colonials' freshmen core of Patricio Garino, Kevin Larsen, Joe McDonald and Kethan Savage will all be sophomores. Keep an eye on this program.

BY THE NUMBERS:

45-29

The rebounding totals in favor of George Washington.

THEY SAID IT:

"Defense has been a problem all year. We're not playing with the urgency we need to right now," Rutgers coach Mike Rice on the Scarlet Knights' defense.

Your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments...