Scarlet Knights breeze past Rider for easy victory

Coming off a loss to Temple, the Scarlet Knights were well prepared to host local rival Rider University, crusing to an easy victory.

Coming off a tough loss to Temple in the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase, Rutgers certainly rebounded well in their midweek game against Rider.

The visitors tried to keep it close early, but the Scarlet Knights were too much to handle. Rutgers came out of Jersey Mike’s Arena with a 76-46 win, making it four straight victories over Rider.

All-time, Rutgers is now 16-1 in the series.

The Scarlet Knights bounced back from a poor shooting night against Temple, a game where they shot just 38 percent from the floor. On Tuesday, Rutgers finished the game with 45 percent shooting as they got strong performances from their center Clifford Omoruyi and guard Cam Spencer. Without guards Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy, both out with injuries, Omoruyi and Spencer had to be the main offensive threats for the Scarlet Knights.

Early in the second half, Omoruyi started the Scarlet Knights’ 31-13 run with a dunk that energized Rutgers to their 30-point lead. The Rutgers’ big man finished the game with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Spencer had an efficient night shooting, especially behind the arc, scoring four out of five Rutgers three-pointers. The senior guard finished the game with 58.3 percent shooting (7-12) from mid-range and shot 57.1 percent from three-point range (4-7). Spencer capped off his strong performance with 19 points in 32 minutes of play.

Next Opponent

The next time the Scarlet Knights will hit the hardwood will be this Saturday, when they host Central Connecticut University at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Rutgers will look to breeze past a Central Connecticut team that is winless on the season.