NIT

Rutgers did not meet the requirements for the NCAA tournament, but they were invited to participate in the NIT.  This is the second time in Sean Axani's 4 years as a team player that the team has qualified.  The last time, they played at home and lost in the first round.  This time, with Sean as the captain, the team went all the way to play the finals at Madison Square Garden. 

March 17, 2004

Following  the first game the headlines from Rutgers read "Douby Leads Rutgers Past Temple, 76-71 by scoring 28 points" and "Rutgers shoots 51 percent from the floor, 10 for 21 from the three point line"  "Rutgers has improved a winning record 17-12 and non-conference domination 10-2".   In only 25 minutes of play, Sean Axani has 3 offensive and 3 defensive rebounds, four points, one assist and one block.


March 22, 2004

After the second game "Shields Lifts Rutgers Past West Virginia, 67-64, scoring 26 points", and "Scarlet Knights register 18 wins for the second time under Coach Waters".  In 22 minutes of play Sean Axani pulls down 6 defensive rebounds.


March 24, 2004
  "Rutgers is now in the quarter finals and defeats Villanova again this season 72-60, to Advance to NIT Semifinals"  With four fouls, Sean Axani has limited playing time of only 18 minutes, but still has 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and four points.


March 30, 2004
 "AXANI PULLS DOWN CAREER-HIGH 17 REBOUNDS"

Senior captain Sean Axani recorded a career-high 17 rebounds tonight. He had 14 at the end of regulation. Axani’s previous career-best of 12 was against Buffalo on Nov. 25, 2003.  With just over a  minute of play left, Axani puts Rutgers in front again."  "Quincy Douby then scores the last of his 35 points, and Rutgers wins against Iowa State University 84-81".   Sean also had 8 points and 3 blocks in 37 minutes of play.