College Basketball Daily Report

Three weeks ago, the provost of Rutgers-Camden ended the school’s program, declaring it a lost cause. After all, the Pioneers had lost 108 consecutive games.

Amid pleas from students and criticism from a national sports magazine, Walter Gordon has reconsidered, bringing Rutgers-Camden basketball back to life and saying the team had more backers than he thought.

“After many consultations with student leaders, alumni and other interested parties, I have been persuaded that there is an appropriate level of support for men’s basketball at Rutgers-Camden,” Gordon said at a news conference.

The Division III Pioneers went 0-24 this season, their fifth consecutive losing season. Their last victory came when they beat Ramapo College, 74-73, on Jan. 18, 1992.

“As soon as this [news conference] is over, I’m out on the road trying to recruit,” said Ray Pace, the team’s interim coach. “With some hard work, the streak will be stopped.”

On Feb. 26, Gordon eliminated the basketball team over objections by Athletic Director Wilbur “Pony” Wilson. The team has had three coaches since the streak began, including Wilson.