Rutgers men’s basketball faces tough test against Illinois

Rutgers basketball hosts Illinois on Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon, Rutgers will put their perfect home record on the line against the No. 24 Illinois. On the season, the Scarlet Knights are 5-0 at Jersey Mike’s Arena and are outscoring opponents by 15 points a game.

As Rutgers looks to pull off an upset, they will have to take care of the ball. So far this season, the Fighting Illini are undefeated when they win the turnover battle. However, during their 5-1 start, that has not been an issue for Rutgers.

 

In their first Big Ten matchup of the season, Rutgers will need a big game from their stars. They have been led by Aundre Hyatt, who is averaging a team-high 12 points a game. Derek Simpson, who is averaging 10.7 points a game, and Clifford Omoruyi have also terrorized defenses.

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They will be tasked with stopping Terrance Shannon Jr., who is averaging 19.5 points a game. Heading into this matchup, Illinois has been a winning machine, as their last loss came on November 14 to Marquette.

With all eyes in the Big Ten on Piscataway, this game is the perfect test for Rutgers. They have not played a ranked team this season and match up well against Illinois. This game should provide plenty of memorable moments for fans of both teams.

Derek Simpson is providing a boost to Rutgers offense

Derek Simpson has had a great season for Rutgers basketball.

During the first few weeks of the college basketball season, Rutgers fans have had plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Scarlet Knights have won four straight and are off to a 4-1 start. While their success has been fueled by familiar faces such as Clifford Omoruyi, Derek Simpson has been a scoring machine.

In five games, the New Jersey native is averaging 10.8 points and 1.2 steals per game. Simpson is also putting his teammates in a position to be successful, averaging a team-leading four assists per game. His play has stood out to Rutgers’ head coach, Steve Pikiell.

 

“He has just been taking command the past couple of games,” Pikiell told reporters about Simpson following a post-game press conference this weekend.

“He’s really shown some tremendous leadership. It starts with his defense. They’re really good guards today to playing against. One is a transfer from Maryland and some all-league type guys, so I think it starts with his defense. He had it going today and is one of the best foul shooters in the country. He’s taking care of his body. He’s practicing the right way, there are great days ahead.”

In Rutgers latest win, Simpson took center stage as the Scarlet Knights reached the 80-point mark for the first time this season. The talented sophomore led the team in scoring with 23 points while making two three-pointers. Along with Omoruyi and Aundre Hyatt, the Scarlet Knights have a trio that frustrates opponents on a nightly basis.

While the season is far from over, Simpson is making an immediate impact and providing a needed boost offensively.

Rutgers basketball looks to continue it’s winning ways against Howard

Rutgers men’s basketball is looking for a fourth straight win.

Rutgers will be looking to extend its winning streak to four games on Saturday when they welcome Howard to Jersey Mike’s Arena. So far this season, the Scarlet Knights are undefeated at home. However, they will face a Howard team that won its most recent game against Boston University..

So far this season, Rutgers has been led by Clifford Omoruyi and Aundre Hyatt. The talented duo has made a difference offensively and on the boards. Hyatt is averaging a team-leading 13 points a game, while Omoruyi is averaging 8.3 rebounds a game.

 

As Rutgers looks to improve to 4-1, they will be tasked with stopping Bryce Harris, who has been a scoring machine. The New York native is averaging 18.5 points a game. He has scored at least 15 points in every game this season. Any hope of Howard pulling off an upset will rely on his play.

However, Harris is one of many Bison players Rutgers will have to worry about. He has gotten some help offensively from Marcus Dockery, Seth Towns, and Shy Odom, who are all averaging more than 10 points a game.

With a victory against Howard, Rutgers would be the third team in the Big Ten to reach the four-win mark. The only other teams on that list are Penn State and Nebraska.

 

Rutgers beats Georgetown in Gavitt Games, improve to 3-1

Rutgers basketball got a big win on Wednesday against Georgetown.

On Wednesday night, Rutgers men’s basketball continued its winning ways when it welcomed Georgetown to Jersey Mike’s Arena. Freshman guard Derek Simpson shined offensively, and Rutgers took advantage of the Hoyas’ mistakes to improve to 3-1.

After losing to Princeton on opening night, Rutgers has looked like a different team. That was on display Wednesday night. While Rutgers was outrebounded 40-29, they turned 21 Georgetown turnovers into 25 points. Rutgers also got offense from various sources, scoring a season-high 71 points.

Four players scored at least 10 points, including Simpson, who led the way with 15. However, he was not the only one who made an impact offensively, as Noan Fernandes, Aundre Hyatt, and Gavin Griffiths also scored double-digit points. Griffiths’s performance was particularly encouraging, as the talented freshman scored 12 points after only scoring five against Bryant on Sunday.

 

Although the Hoyas kept things close, Rutgers used an 11-0 run early in the second half to put the game out of reach. They never trailed at any point and held off Georgetown’s rally in the second half.

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With the Gavitt Games over, Rutgers will turn its focus to its matchup with Howard on Saturday night. Rutgers will again play in front of their home fans at Jersey Mike’s Arena, where they are is 3-0.

Rutgers set to face Georgetown in Gavitt Games

Rutgers basketball faces a big game on Wednesday against Georgetown.

On Wednesday night, Rutgers basketball will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games when they welcome Georgetown to Jersey Mike’s Arena. After losing to Princeton on opening night, Rutgers has recorded victories against Boston University and Bryant. However, they will be facing a Georgetown team eager to prove themselves.

Through two games, the Hoyas have posted a 1-1 record and struggled at times defensively. They will be tasked with stopping Rutgers stars Clifford Omuruyi and Aundre Hyatt, who are off to impressive starts. This game also has special meaning as it marks the beginning of the Gavitt Games.

 

Georgetown’s head coach, Ed Cooley, has been part of the Gavitt Game five times during his career and posted a 2-3 record. His only wins came over Wisconsin in 2021 and Illinois in 2015. As Cooley looks to add another Gavitt win to his resume, Georgetown will look to build on their past success against Rutgers.

In the all-time series, Georgetown holds a 29-16 edge. The Hoyas have also won 12 of the last 13 matchups between these two programs. However, this Rutgers team is eager to change the narrative.

So far this season, Rutgers is 2-0 at home and they are favored heading into this matchup. If the Scarlet Knights matchup continues to produce, it could be a long night for Georgetown.

Rutgers winter sports off to impressive starts

With the fall sports season over, Rutgers fans have shifted their focus to winter athletics

With the fall sports season over, Rutgers fans have shifted their focus to winter athletics. Over the last few weeks, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and wrestling have started their regular seasons in impressive fashion. The trio has gotten off to a 6-3 start.

While each team has had success, men’s and women’s basketball have dominated in two of their three games. Men’s basketball has been led by Clifford Omoruyi, who already has 27 rebounds. Women’s basketball has gotten a boost offensively from Kaylene Smikle, who is averaging 14.7 points a game.

 

Additionally, Rutgers football has been a bright spot. With two weeks left in the regular season, Rutgers is expected to earn a bowl bid, their first since 2014. They have already matched their highest win total in ten years.

Even though the college football season is winding down, the last few weeks have shown that the winter season should bring plenty of excitement to Piscataway.

Scroll down and check out how Rutgers sports have been doing this winter!

Aundre Hyatt leads Rutgers to win over Bryant

Rutgers basketball is now 2-1 following a win over Bryant.

Aundre Hyatt shined on Sunday afternoon as Rutgers improved to 2-1 with a 66-57 win over Bryant. Rutgers has now won two straight after losing their season opener to Princeton.

During that span, they have scored at least 65 points in both victories.

After scoring 140 points in their previous game, Bryant’s offense struggled on Sunday. Rutgers forced 14 turnovers, while Bryant committed 25 fouls. They also had no answer for Hyatt, who had arguably his best game of the season.

 

The Bronx native scored a team-high 19 points and was a force on the boards with eight rebounds. Only Clifford Omoruyi had more rebounds, finishing the afternoon with 15. Hyatt has been a scoring machine of late, with 39 points in his last two games.

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However, Hyatt was not the only Rutgers player who had a good afternoon. Omoruyi and Derek Simpson both had more than 10 points. The talented duo scored a combined 25 points and dished out five assists against a Bryant defense that struggled all afternoon.

Rutgers will now get two days off before they welcome Georgetown to Jersey Mike’s Arena on Wednesday. The matchup will be the first of the Gavitt Tipoff Games. Georgetown is off to a 1-1 start after losing to Holy Cross on Saturday, 68-67.

Rutgers basketball: Aundre Hyatt will return for one more Big Ten season

Aundre Hyatt will return to Rutgers basketball for one more year.

Aundre Hyatt will be returning to the Rutgers men’s basketball team for one more season, giving the Scarlet Knights an important upperclassman who is seasoned and a very good defender.

Last season, Hyatt averaged a career-high 8.8 points per game. He also shot 37.4 percent from the floor, his highest percentage in his two years with the Scarlet Knights.

His 30.6 percent shooting from three-point range is a career-best.

Hyatt was a four-star recruit out of Virginia who was originally recruited by Rutgers as a member of the 2018 recruiting class. He committed to LSU and then transferred to Rutgers in 2018.

Hyatt’s return for another season at Rutgers came via social media.

 

Hyatt’s return is the first domino of the offseason to fall for Rutgers football as the program awaits word on the status of center Cliff Omoruyi and guard Paul Mulcahy. Both players declared their intention to test the NBA draft waters this offseason.

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Rutgers’ Aundre Hyatt plays well in Greece for USA Basketball

Rutgers basketball forward Aundre Hyatt played well in Greece this past weekend, playing for USA Basketball’s East Coast team.

Rutgers men’s basketball’s junior forward Aundre Hyatt joined USA Basketball’s East Coast team on their trip to compete in Athens, Greece this past weekend. He helped his squad go a perfect 3-0 against some of Athens’ best professional teams. Slam Magazine writer Matthew Caputo called the experience in Athens, “…college basketball’s version of study abroad…”

Hyatt impressed early, finishing the opening contest as the leading scorer with 14 points. He added four rebounds, three assists, and a block in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle during game 2. The former LSU Tiger averaged 12.5 points during the trip.

Prior to the trip, Hyatt expressed his excitement through a Rutgers press release:

“I am super excited to compete and participate in this experience with the USA Basketball’s East Coast Team. It’s an honor to be selected alongside some of the best collegiate East Coast players in the country. I have been working on my game this offseason with my coaches and staff and look to use this experience to continue to improve heading the upcoming season for Rutgers men’s basketball.”

The junior Hyatt was one of the key pieces for head coach Steve Pikiell off the bench in 2021-22. The Bronx, N.Y. native who transferred to Rutgers in 2020, averaged 4.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and shot 35.8 percent from the field in 12.8 minutes-per-game last season. Hyatt reached. Hyatt is taking every opportunity to improve as he looks to step into a bigger role in 2021-22 with the departures of Scarlet Knight legends Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker.

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Rutgers finding value and versatility in LSU transfer Aundre Hyatt

Rutgers men’s basketball is seeing a big impact from LSU transfer Aundre Kyatt.

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In just three games so far this season, Aundre Hyatt is proving to be a valuable and emerging piece of the Rutgers men’s basketball team. The transfer from LSU has quickly settled in for the Scarlet Knights with his versatility and energy.

Rutgers has won their first three games of the out-of-conference schedule, albeit a bit sluggish and underwhelming at times. And Hyatt has been a major reason why Rutgers has been able to win three straight to start the year.

Even as he has yet to start for Rutgers yet this season, Hyatt is averaging 8 points per game, 4.7 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in 23.7 minutes played. All career-highs for the White Plains, N.Y. prep star.

“Aundre is really evolving too, he’s learning to play different spots too as we sub him in at a lot of different positions,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell told reporters after his team beat N.J.I.T. earlier this week.

“He’s a good worker, he can shoot the ball, he can get to the rim. Does a good job of rebounding, he can score around the baskets, he’s kind of unique, he’s kind of a three-level guy. And he plays with some poise, he blocks some shots, he can do some stuff.

“He’s got some emergency defense in him. I like the way he’s developed, he’s obviously going to be a nice piece for us.”

Last year, his second season at LSU, Hyatt averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as he averaged 16 minutes of action.

In the last NCAA Tournament, he helped key LSU’s opening round win over Stony Brook with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes. In their second round loss to Michigan, he had two points in 24 minutes.

Rutgers beat N.J.I.T. 75-61 on Tuesday. They play at DePaul on Thursday night.

Coming out of high school, Hyatt was ranked a three-star and the No. 360 player in the nation according to 247 Sports.