Rutgers Men’s Basketball Host Merrimack
For the first time in 618 days the Rutgers Men’s Basketball team was able to play in front of a sellout crowd and gave them a show as they were able to escape an overtime thriller Wednesday night against Lehigh.
After being down five to start off the second half the Scarlet Knights were able to fight their way back. Ron Harper Jr. had a stellar performance recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Center Cliff Omoruyi had a great game scoring 16 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Coming into this season there were questions of how the Scarlet Knights would fill the void of Myles Johnson transferring and Coach Steve Pikiell believes Omoruyi has answered those questions.
“I think we’re in very good hands. I love this guy. He’s as good a worker we’ve ever had in the program. He’s getting better and better every day.” Coach Pikiell said about his center.
Big Cliff puts some icing on it!#GardenStatement pic.twitter.com/qHWsqAsB4Z
— Rutgers Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) November 11, 2021
Omoruyi led charge in overtime with two dunks, with one coming off the first possession. Guard Geo Baker had 12 points in this game and had a biggest shot of the game as he hit the shot to tie the game at 63 with 45 seconds left in regulation.
Now all focus is on Merrimack College who beat NJIT 61-54 Thursday night. Forward Ziggy Reid had himself a double-double scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Mikey Watson helped out in the scoring department putting up 11. Merrimack knocked down eight threes in the first half shooting 40% for the game. Despite how good the Warriors did on offense, defense was key causing 20 turnovers and scoring 12 points off of them and the team had 12 steals, Jordan Minor and Jordan McKoy led the team in steals with three each.
Rutgers will have to take care of the basketball against a good Merrimack defense as they face off Saturday at 2 at Jersey Mike’s Arena.