On Monday, Rutgers men’s basketball (0-1, 0-0) dropped their season opener to the Princeton Tigers (1-0, 0-0) 68-61 in an in-state matchup as part of the Jersey Jam in Trenton, New Jersey.
Princeton led most of the game, as there were only five lead changes in this New Jersey matchup. The Tigers’ ability to shoot behind the arc is the key to the Scarlet Knights’ loss in their season opener. Princeton shot 45 percent (9-for-20) from three-point range as the Scarlet Knights struggled behind the arc, shooting only 29 percent (4-for-14).
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Final Score: 68 Princeton, 61 Rutgers.
We host BU at home on Friday.#TheKnighthood🛡⚔️
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) November 7, 2023
Princeton senior guard Matt Allocco led the way for the Tigers, recording a team-high 21 points and nine rebounds. On the glass, forward Caden Pierce had a team-high 15 rebounds for the Tigers.
As for the Scarlet Knights, senior center Cliff Omoruyi led the way in scoring. The former First Team All-Big Ten Defensive center recorded a team-high 12 points along with seven rebounds and four blocks.
In his Rutgers debut, UMass transfer Noah Fernandes contributed ten points and three assists in 26 minutes. Also, second-year forward Antwone Woolfolk contributed double-digit points (10) in 19 minutes.
Below are the five takeaways from Rutgers’ season-opening loss to Princeton.