Rutgers University is set to continue its basketball season as they host Maine on Monday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The matchup is scheduled for 6:30 PM and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Rutgers Basketball Overview
Following an impressive opening game, the Scarlet Knights aim for a 2-0 start, which would mark the 10th time in 11 seasons they have achieved this milestone. In their season opener, they defeated Rider by a commanding 28 points, the largest margin of victory since December 2023.
Key Performers from the Season Opener
- Tariq Francis (20 points, 4 three-pointers)
- Jamichael Davis (15 points, 4 assists, 3 steals)
- Dylan Grant (17 points, 7 rebounds)
- Darren Buchanan Jr. (11 points off the bench)
In this game, Rutgers showcased their dominance with 29 fast break points and limited Rider to just 27.7% shooting overall, including a mere 2-of-20 from beyond the arc.
Maine’s Performance
Maine enters this matchup following consecutive defeats, starting with a 67-47 loss at George Washington. They also fell short against Stony Brook with a score of 71-60. In their opener, the Black Bears struggled offensively, shooting 31.4% with freshman Ace Flagg scoring 10 points.
Maine’s Key Players
- Ace Flagg (10 points vs. GWU)
- Ryan Mabrey (14 points vs. Stony Brook)
- TJ Biel (9 points, 7 rebounds vs. Stony Brook)
The Black Bears are rebuilding after losing their top five scorers from the previous season. They are currently tied for second in the America East Preseason Poll, behind Vermont.
Historical Context
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, Rutgers has a clean slate against Maine, winning all five encounters. The Scarlet Knights have consistently triumphed with double-digit margins in each game, maintaining their perfect record since their first meeting in 1924.
Upcoming Schedule for Rutgers
After facing Maine, Rutgers will remain at Jersey Mike’s Arena for three additional games. Their upcoming opponents include:
- Lehigh (November 14)
- American (November 18, BTN)
- CCSU (November 21)
This game marks an exciting opportunity for Rutgers to build momentum as they strive for an 80th consecutive sellout at their home arena.
