Scarlet Knights still red-hot

CLEVELAND – C. Vivian Stringer is just one win away from that elusive championship she’s been chasing for 25 years, with a Rutgers team even she didn’t believe would make a run to the Final Four.

Rutgers’ improbable tournament continued with a dominating 59-35 victory over LSU on Sunday night in a national semifinal that earned the Scarlet Knights their first trip to the championship game.

“We’re not supposed to be here, but that’s all right,” Stringer said. “This team isn’t looking for accolades. We got none. We just play together as a team.”

The Scarlet Knights have a chance to make history for a school that last earned an NCAA team championship in 1949 – sharing a fencing title with Army. Rutgers will face Tennessee in the championship game on Tuesday night.

“It’s a dream come true,” Stringer said. “Work hard, get some rest and see what we can do in this next one.”

Swarming defense and a hot touch behind the arc blew out LSU (30-8), which scored the fewest points ever in the Final Four – Louisiana Tech had 44 vs. Tennessee in the ‘87 title game.

The Scarlet Knights (27-8) hounded 6-foot-6 Sylvia Fowles, who appeared aggravated by the relentless defenders. She was held to five points, which tied a season low, and seven rebounds.