Rutgers D Dominates Georgetown for Third Straight Victory

A dominant second half, combined by a stingy defensive effort propelled Rutgers men's basketball to a 71-60 triumph over Georgetown at Jersey Mike's Arena on Wednesday night. The victory propels Rutgers to a 3-1 start on the year.

Derek Simpson led the way with 15 points while Rutgers forced 21 turnovers of the Hoyas in the victory.

"I like the way we got out 16-4 in the second half. These guys played well, all these guys," Head Coach Steve Pikeill said in his post game news conference.

For much of the first half, Rutgers and Georgetown were entwined in a back-and-forth contest. Dontrez Styles was a huge problem for RU in the first half, as the junior guard connected on three consecutive three pointers that kept Georgetown within a point, 33-32 with over a minute to go.

That was before Simpson cashed in on a huge three-pointer with 0:56 to go and Gavin Griffiths nailed a bucket before halftime to push the Rutgers lead back up to six.

The second half was all Rutgers. Three pointers by Audre Hyatt and Noah Fernandes helped RU build out a 15-point advantage, 51-36, with 16:13 to go. Meanwhile, Rutgers turned it up defensively. Antwone Woolfolk neutralized Styles play in the second half, while Georgetown shot only 33 percent from the floor.

By games' end, Rutgers had cashed in 25 points off Georgetown turnovers.

Four players finished in double-figures for Rutgers, with Hyatt and Gavin Griffiths both finishing with 12 points a piece, and Fernandes finishing with 10 points.

Rutgers is now 3-0 at home this season.

The Scarlet Knights will have a quick turnaround, and will face Howard on Saturday from Jersey Mike's Arena.