Simpson and Omoruyi Power Rutgers Past Howard
Derek Simpson notched a career high with 23 points and Clifford Omoruyi added a double-double as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights won their fourth in a row, 85-63 over the Howard Bison.
Rutgers shot 54 percent from the floor, while four Scarlet Knights wound up in double-figures in the victory in front of a sold out crowd on a Saturday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
“We kind got it going. Aundre did a great job on Odem. Derek got his career high in points, Cliff another double-double. It was a good win over a really good team,” Head Coach Steve Pikeill said.
Howard jumped out fast, taking an 11-4 lead over Rutgers in the first half, before Simpson connected on a pair of free throws and a jumper to pull Rutgers to within three points.
Later in the half, Noah Fernandes three pointer put Rutgers up for the first time, 16-14 with 9:41 before halftime.
Soon Rutgers offense got red hot. Rutgers connected on 12 of its next 18 shots to go into the break shooting 50 percent from the floor. At the break, the Scarlet Knights held a 39-31 lead.
Rutgers kept the pressure on Howard the rest of the way. Whenever the Bison cut into the Scarlet Knights lead, someone in white and scarlet had an answer.
By the midway point of the second half, Gavin Griffiths connected on a jumper and slam dunk.
Clifford Omoruyi added a dunk of his own to push Rutgers out front by nine.
When Howard’s Marcus Dockery hit a three on the next possession, Aundre Hyatt answered for Rutgers with a three of his own to push the lead back out to nine points.
That three ball by Hyatt was the start of a 14-0 Rutgers run as the Scarlet Knights built a 20-point lead.
NEXT UP…
Rutgers will host St. Peter’s on November 27 after enjoying a week off for Thanksgiving.
