Friday, November 18
Uncasville, Conn.
5:00 PM
Rutgers University
vs
Temple
Men’s Basketball to Take on Temple in HOF Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov 16 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's basketball will head on the road for the first time of the 2022-23 season this week.
The Scarlet Knights' neutral site matchup against Temple on Friday, Nov. 18 at Mohegan Sun Arena will be played at 5:00 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Scarlet Knights are a perfect (3-0) to start the 2022-23 season. Head coach Steve Pikiell has been thrilled with the balanced scoring attack of his offense and the tenacity of his defense so far.
"3-0 was the goal, and I am excited about this team," Pikiell said. "We will have a lot of obstacles; we've had some injuries and we'll continue to have to overcome a lot of things. I think every game last week was a step up with the level of talent that was on the floor. I really liked in this games we have had a commanding lead, and we were able to swap some players in. This team continues to be coachable, and I think a lot of guys are getting valuable minutes. A lot of our players did some great things during this three-game stretch."
Stat that stands out
The team had 10 steals on Saturday vs. UMass Lowell marking the first time in nearly ten years that the Scarlet Knight posted 10-plus steals in three-straight games. The last time that happened for Rutgers was Dec.11-Dec. 21 of 2012.
Rutgers has 41 steals in three games this season and leads the Big Ten Conference in steals-per-game (13.67).
"We really were able to swarm our activity on defense," Pikiell said. "Mawot Mag does a great job of getting in a stance with his length and Antwone Woolfolk, another guy who got a lot of tips during these three games in his minutes. Our ability to pressure the ball with Jalen Miller and Derek Simpson has been a real asset for us. Cam Spencer's ability to be in passing lands and anticipate steals has been good. To keep Cliff (Omoruyi) down and out of foul trouble has been another key on defense. Paul (Mulcahy) kind of anchors everything and continues to do everything, his voice is the most important thing. When we get Caleb McConnell back, he's also probably the best defender in the country, so you know that'll add to our defense."
Junior transfer Cam Spencer has been just as advertised on the offensive side of the floor as well.
The Davidsonville, Md. Native is leading the team with 16.7 points-per-game and 4.0 assists. Spencer is shooting 50 percent from the field and from three-point range through three games. He also leads the team thus far with 30.7 minutes-per-game.
Junior center Clifford Omoruyi is right behind spencer with 16.3 points-per-game and has been a force to be reckoned with in the paint thus far. Omoruyi is averaging 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots.
"He's really grown and now he's understanding how teams are playing him," Pikiell said. "He can now beat you from outside the paint and teams have to step out and guard him there. His development is going to be huge for us."
Senior forward Aundre Hyatt has been a huge contributor on the offensive side of the ball averaging 14.3 points and shooting a red hot 46.3 percent from three point range. He's averaging 6.3 rebounds in 27.7 minutes thus far.
"I love the effort and the plat of Aundre Hyatt," Pikiell said. "He's done a really good job of keeping plays alive, making free throws and making threes. He's starting to talk and communicate more on the defensive end."
Freshman Derek Simpson rounds out the double-digit scorer's through three games, averaging 10.3 points-per-game off the bench.
"He really has a swagger about him," Pikiell said. "His defense has improved so much and that's something I'm excited about. I love the fact he drew five fouls vs. UMass Lowell and went 10-10 from the line."
On one full day of rest, the Scarlet Knights overcame several obstacles to defeat the 9th-oldest team in the country in UMass Lowell (2-1) to move to a perfect (3-0) on the season with a 73-65 victory. Freshman Derek Simpson (16 points) and junior center Clifford Omoruyi (22 points) posted career-highs to help secure the victory.
"I'm really happy. I knew this game would be difficult," Pikiell said. "I have known Pat Duquette for a while, his team is extremely experienced. His team has good guards and a big man who came from Pittsburgh. I told my guys we would face tremendous adversity in this game, and we did. We won the game at the free throw line and that's a great sign."
Center Clifford Omoruyi had his best half of his career with the Scarlet Knights, posting 15 points and nine rebounds in the first half. Omoruyi tied his career-high in points and had a career-high in rebounds (15) and grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Omoruyi played 36 minutes, had three blocks and shot (6-8) from the free throw line.
"Everybody is working together, and we want to keep getting better and we want to keep winning," Omoruyi said. "Our goal is to make the NCAA Tournament and to do that we have to continue to play as a team."
RU is (19-33) overall against the Temple Owls dating back to the years that both teams were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Steve Pikiell has never face Temple as the head coach of the Scarlet Knights.
RU faced Temple twice in the month of Jan. of 2014 at split those matchups. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Owls at home on Jan. 1 before losing to Temple on the road on Jan. 29. Both teams were apart of the American Athletic Conference that season.
RU's Director of External Operations Tom Barrett graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple in 2012. He served as a student manager for the Owls from 2009-2012.
Temple's start
Temple has started (1-2) in their first three games of the season, but had an impressive victory over No. 16 Villanova on Nov 11. Sophomore guard Damiani Dunn is averaging 29.7 points-per-game through three and has been a dominant scorer for the Owls. He is currently second in the nation in scoring. Hillside, N.J. native Khalif Battle is averaging 13 points-per-game off the Owls' bench.
Game 3 vs. Vanderbilt:
Dunn scored a career-high 38 points, the most by a Temple Owl in over 18 years, but it was not enough as Vanderbilt edged Temple (1-2P, 89-87 in overtime, Tuesday night at the Liacouras Center.
Dunn shot 13-of-18 from the field and made a career-high seven threes on nine attempts in the contest to lead the way. Zach Hicks had a 20-points, hitting a season-high six threes on 13 attempts, while grabbing a game-high eight rebounds. Jamille Reynolds added 15 points and seven boards.
Game 2 vs. Villanova:
Damian Dunn made two free throws with 1.1 seconds to play to lift Temple (1-1, 1-0 Big 5) to a 68-64 win over #16 Villanova (1-1, 1-1) Friday night at the Liacouras Center. It marked the Owls' first win over the Wildcats since 2012.
Game 1 vs. Wagner:
Dunn led all scorers for the second straight game with 22 points while his backcourt mate Battle added 21. Jamille Reynolds added his first career double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds.
The win over Villanova came after a tough 76-73 overtime loss to Wagner in Temple's home-opener. Dunn scored a game-high 29 points and Battle came off the bench to chip in 16, but it was not enough as Wagner overcame a 15-point second half deficit to defeat Temple, 76-73, Monday night in the season opener at the Liacouras Center. Dunn made a career-high and tied a school record by making 18-of-18 free throws in the game, and single-handily kept the Owls in the contest during a cold-shooting first half.
Tickets available
Tickets for the RU's matchup against Owls in the Hall of Fame's Showcase in Uncasville, Conn. are still available to the public. Scarlet Knights fans are encouraged to go to ticketmaster.com and purchase tickets by clicking here. Tickets are also available in person at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.
Obstacles
Senior point guard Paul Mulcahy (shoulder) exited the game against UMass Lowell in the first half and didn't return. Senior guard Caleb McConnell (knee) has yet to play in the first three games this season.
Pikiell Milestones
Pikiell became the sixth-coach in Rutgers history to notch 100 wins when the Scarlet Knights defeated Sacred Heart on Thursday. He is 101-91 in his career at Rutgers. Another win milestone is approaching as he is seven wins away from 300 in his career. Pikiell currently sits at 293-247 in his career.
Next Up
The Scarlet Knights will return home to take on Rider on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Jersey Mike's Arena at 7:00 p.m..
The Scarlet Knights' neutral site matchup against Temple on Friday, Nov. 18 at Mohegan Sun Arena will be played at 5:00 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Scarlet Knights are a perfect (3-0) to start the 2022-23 season. Head coach Steve Pikiell has been thrilled with the balanced scoring attack of his offense and the tenacity of his defense so far.
"3-0 was the goal, and I am excited about this team," Pikiell said. "We will have a lot of obstacles; we've had some injuries and we'll continue to have to overcome a lot of things. I think every game last week was a step up with the level of talent that was on the floor. I really liked in this games we have had a commanding lead, and we were able to swap some players in. This team continues to be coachable, and I think a lot of guys are getting valuable minutes. A lot of our players did some great things during this three-game stretch."
Stat that stands out
The team had 10 steals on Saturday vs. UMass Lowell marking the first time in nearly ten years that the Scarlet Knight posted 10-plus steals in three-straight games. The last time that happened for Rutgers was Dec.11-Dec. 21 of 2012.
Rutgers has 41 steals in three games this season and leads the Big Ten Conference in steals-per-game (13.67).
"We really were able to swarm our activity on defense," Pikiell said. "Mawot Mag does a great job of getting in a stance with his length and Antwone Woolfolk, another guy who got a lot of tips during these three games in his minutes. Our ability to pressure the ball with Jalen Miller and Derek Simpson has been a real asset for us. Cam Spencer's ability to be in passing lands and anticipate steals has been good. To keep Cliff (Omoruyi) down and out of foul trouble has been another key on defense. Paul (Mulcahy) kind of anchors everything and continues to do everything, his voice is the most important thing. When we get Caleb McConnell back, he's also probably the best defender in the country, so you know that'll add to our defense."
RU standouts through 3 games⭐THEM Scarlet Knights setting career-highs through 3️ games⭐@derek_simp | Cam Spencer | @wizcliff7 | @aundrehyatt_15#TheKnighthood🛡️⚔️
— Rutgers Men's Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) November 16, 2022
Junior transfer Cam Spencer has been just as advertised on the offensive side of the floor as well.
The Davidsonville, Md. Native is leading the team with 16.7 points-per-game and 4.0 assists. Spencer is shooting 50 percent from the field and from three-point range through three games. He also leads the team thus far with 30.7 minutes-per-game.
Junior center Clifford Omoruyi is right behind spencer with 16.3 points-per-game and has been a force to be reckoned with in the paint thus far. Omoruyi is averaging 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots.
"He's really grown and now he's understanding how teams are playing him," Pikiell said. "He can now beat you from outside the paint and teams have to step out and guard him there. His development is going to be huge for us."
Senior forward Aundre Hyatt has been a huge contributor on the offensive side of the ball averaging 14.3 points and shooting a red hot 46.3 percent from three point range. He's averaging 6.3 rebounds in 27.7 minutes thus far.
"I love the effort and the plat of Aundre Hyatt," Pikiell said. "He's done a really good job of keeping plays alive, making free throws and making threes. He's starting to talk and communicate more on the defensive end."
Freshman Derek Simpson rounds out the double-digit scorer's through three games, averaging 10.3 points-per-game off the bench.
"He really has a swagger about him," Pikiell said. "His defense has improved so much and that's something I'm excited about. I love the fact he drew five fouls vs. UMass Lowell and went 10-10 from the line."
Last time outCareer High Tonight 🤩🤩#TheKnighthood 🛡️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/4opK1gmAVo
— Rutgers Men's Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) November 13, 2022
On one full day of rest, the Scarlet Knights overcame several obstacles to defeat the 9th-oldest team in the country in UMass Lowell (2-1) to move to a perfect (3-0) on the season with a 73-65 victory. Freshman Derek Simpson (16 points) and junior center Clifford Omoruyi (22 points) posted career-highs to help secure the victory.
"I'm really happy. I knew this game would be difficult," Pikiell said. "I have known Pat Duquette for a while, his team is extremely experienced. His team has good guards and a big man who came from Pittsburgh. I told my guys we would face tremendous adversity in this game, and we did. We won the game at the free throw line and that's a great sign."
Center Clifford Omoruyi had his best half of his career with the Scarlet Knights, posting 15 points and nine rebounds in the first half. Omoruyi tied his career-high in points and had a career-high in rebounds (15) and grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Omoruyi played 36 minutes, had three blocks and shot (6-8) from the free throw line.
"Everybody is working together, and we want to keep getting better and we want to keep winning," Omoruyi said. "Our goal is to make the NCAA Tournament and to do that we have to continue to play as a team."
History with Temple15 points and 9 rebounds for Big Cliff. Best career half as a Scarlet Knight @wizcliff77 🛡️⚔️#TheKnighthood🛡️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/RxbXX3gZ3W
— Rutgers Men's Basketball 🏀 (@RutgersMBB) November 12, 2022
RU is (19-33) overall against the Temple Owls dating back to the years that both teams were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Steve Pikiell has never face Temple as the head coach of the Scarlet Knights.
RU faced Temple twice in the month of Jan. of 2014 at split those matchups. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Owls at home on Jan. 1 before losing to Temple on the road on Jan. 29. Both teams were apart of the American Athletic Conference that season.
RU's Director of External Operations Tom Barrett graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Temple in 2012. He served as a student manager for the Owls from 2009-2012.
Temple's start
Temple has started (1-2) in their first three games of the season, but had an impressive victory over No. 16 Villanova on Nov 11. Sophomore guard Damiani Dunn is averaging 29.7 points-per-game through three and has been a dominant scorer for the Owls. He is currently second in the nation in scoring. Hillside, N.J. native Khalif Battle is averaging 13 points-per-game off the Owls' bench.
Game 3 vs. Vanderbilt:
Dunn scored a career-high 38 points, the most by a Temple Owl in over 18 years, but it was not enough as Vanderbilt edged Temple (1-2P, 89-87 in overtime, Tuesday night at the Liacouras Center.
Dunn shot 13-of-18 from the field and made a career-high seven threes on nine attempts in the contest to lead the way. Zach Hicks had a 20-points, hitting a season-high six threes on 13 attempts, while grabbing a game-high eight rebounds. Jamille Reynolds added 15 points and seven boards.
Game 2 vs. Villanova:
Damian Dunn made two free throws with 1.1 seconds to play to lift Temple (1-1, 1-0 Big 5) to a 68-64 win over #16 Villanova (1-1, 1-1) Friday night at the Liacouras Center. It marked the Owls' first win over the Wildcats since 2012.
Game 1 vs. Wagner:
Dunn led all scorers for the second straight game with 22 points while his backcourt mate Battle added 21. Jamille Reynolds added his first career double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds.
The win over Villanova came after a tough 76-73 overtime loss to Wagner in Temple's home-opener. Dunn scored a game-high 29 points and Battle came off the bench to chip in 16, but it was not enough as Wagner overcame a 15-point second half deficit to defeat Temple, 76-73, Monday night in the season opener at the Liacouras Center. Dunn made a career-high and tied a school record by making 18-of-18 free throws in the game, and single-handily kept the Owls in the contest during a cold-shooting first half.
Tickets available
Tickets for the RU's matchup against Owls in the Hall of Fame's Showcase in Uncasville, Conn. are still available to the public. Scarlet Knights fans are encouraged to go to ticketmaster.com and purchase tickets by clicking here. Tickets are also available in person at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.
Obstacles
Senior point guard Paul Mulcahy (shoulder) exited the game against UMass Lowell in the first half and didn't return. Senior guard Caleb McConnell (knee) has yet to play in the first three games this season.
Pikiell Milestones
Pikiell became the sixth-coach in Rutgers history to notch 100 wins when the Scarlet Knights defeated Sacred Heart on Thursday. He is 101-91 in his career at Rutgers. Another win milestone is approaching as he is seven wins away from 300 in his career. Pikiell currently sits at 293-247 in his career.
Next Up
The Scarlet Knights will return home to take on Rider on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Jersey Mike's Arena at 7:00 p.m..
Players Mentioned
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