Rutgers Celebrates Holidays with Blowout of Bucknell
Twas the night before the night before Christmas!
And all through Jersey Mike’s Arena, not a creature was stirring especially Bucknell’s offense.
Rutgers defense was once again sound.
Holding their ninth opponent to leave Piscataway with its lowest number of points scored on the season.
Yes, it was a night that would make all Rutgers fans as jolly as Santa Claus himself. The Scarlet Knights hold the Bison to 31 percent shooting in an 85-50 blowout victory to send Rutgers men’s basketball to an 8-4 record. Rutgers improved to 8-1 at Jersey Mike’s Arena this season.
On the flip side, Rutgers shot nearly 50 percent, .493 when it was all said and done, including 89 percent from the free throw line.
Four players were in double-figures for the Scarlet Knights, led by Clifford Omoruyi, who dished out 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting; Caleb McConnell had 14 points, while Andre Hyatt had 11 and Derek Simpson 10 points. Cam Spencer finished with 9 points, and Paul Mulcahy six points.
“I was very concerned for this game,” Pikiell said. “I think Bucknell has a chance to win the Patriot League. They shoot over 50% as a team from the floor. Anytime you play a team that can shoot the ball and is one of the best third point shooting teams in the country and right before Christmas you get concerned. Cliff with six blocked shots, which was a career high and our bench (played well). Aundre (Hyatt) came off the bench and Antwone Woolfolk and Derek Simpson were high energy and gave us a lift. We really shared the ball with 20 team assists and 3 turnovers. We held Bucknell to their season low in shooting percentages and it is just a good sign moving forward.”
