Rutgers completed it’s non-conference slate with a 90-57 rout of Coppin State on Friday night at the RAC. The Scarlet Knights dished out 30 assists on 34 made baskets, the most for the program since 1992. Defensively, they held Coppin State to 37% shooting and well below their season average of 75.5 points. RU has held every opponent under their season scoring average this season including 11 of 12 by to points or more.
Steve Pikiell’s team got off to a fast start and led 24-6 just eight minutes into the game. It set the tone and RU cruised to a 51-27 halftime lead. Coppin State responded after the break with a 11-3 run to start the second half. Their fast paced play caused Rutgers to unravel a bit and play sloppy for an extended stretch. However, the Scarlet Knights settled down and finished the game on a 36-19 run.
Cliff Omoruyi led Rutgers with 20 points and 13 rebounds. His inside presence resulted in RU a 46-24 advantage with points in the paint. In addition, the Scarlet Knights held a 53-27 advantage on the boards including 17-1 on the offensive glass. It led to a 17-2 edge in second chance points.
Rutgers swiped 10 steals and forced 15 turnovers, finishing with a 19-10 advantage in points off of turnovers. RU also held a 22-6 advantage in fast break points.
Cam Spencer made his first five shots from behind the arc and finished with 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting from the floor. He added 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals along with zero turnovers.
Caleb McConnell finished with 9 points on 4 of 9 shooting along with 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals.
Paul Mulcahy had 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting along with 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Antwone Woolfork had a solid performance off the bench with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Watch game highlights, the postgame press conference and more here.
Here is my rapid reaction video that includes takeaways from this win, the non-conference schedule, a look ahead at Big Ten play and on why the commitment of 4-star point guard Dellquan Warren is just the beginning for what could be a special 2024 recruiting class.
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