Rutgers Men’s Basketball Opens Season with Blowout of Columbia

RUTGERS 75 - COLUMBIA 35

Now that's how to start a season. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights opened the 2022-23 Men's Basketball season with a dominating 75-35 victory over Columbia at Jersey Mike's Arena, highlighted by RU's outscoring the Lions 44-14 in the second half alone for its largest victory over a Division I opponent since 2017 when Rutgers topped Fairliegh Dickenson.

"We're tired of practice. We are ready," Head Coach Steve Pikiell said afterwards. "I thought we shared the ball well with 20 assists. I thought our defense was at a high level, we really capitalized on that second half. I thank the fans who came two hours early, the cheerleaders, the Riot Squad, everybody. Everyone contributed, so good team win. Onto the next one."

The victory continued a streak of season opening victories, which now sits at eight. In fact Rutgers has won nine of its last 10 season openers. Under Pikeill, the Scarlet Knights are 7-0 when opening the season.

All five starters were in double-figures on Tuesday night, with Junior guard Cam Spencer leading the way 17 points, on 7-of-13 shooting with three three-pointers and five assists.

"He prepares, he's a worker, and he's been a huge addition," Pikiell said of Spencer who spent the past few seasons at Loyola Maryland. "He adds a whole different dimension to our team."

Aundree Hyatt added 12 points and 10 boards for his first double-double. Meanwhile, Paul Mulcahy, Clifford Omoruyi and Mawot Mag all had 10 points a piece.

Head Coach Steve Pikiell is now just one win a away from 100 wins in his career as head men's basketball coach at Rutgers. Rutgers plays host to Sacred Heart on Thursday night at 7 p.m.