Rutgers rallies in second half to defeat Merrimack 48-35
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- — Ron Harper Jr. and Cliff Omoruyi both had double-doubles and Rutgers rallied in the second half to defeat Merrimack 48-35 on Saturday.
Harper had 13 points and 11 rebounds to go with Omoruyi's 11 points and 13 rebounds.
After trailing 23-16 at halftime, Rutgers (2-0) opened the second half with a drawn-out 13-6 run and the score was tied at 29 when the Scarlet Knights' Harper made one of two free throws at the 9:46 mark. Harper scored in the paint about a minute later, giving Rutgers the lead for good while Merrimack was in the midst of a 8 1/2-minute scoreless drought.
Merrimack (2-1) was stuck on 29 points from the 13:18 mark until Mikey Watkins scored with 4:51 to go. By that time Rutgers was ahead 40-31. Wakins led the Warriors with 12 points.
Rutgers made only five field goals and committed 10 turnovers in the first half. The second half was more than just a turnaround, as Rutgers outscored the Warriors 32-12.
Only five players scored for Rutgers — six for Merrimack — but the Scarlet Knights had a 17-3 advantage in bench scoring. Rutgers shot 31% from the field and Merrimack hit on just 23%.
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Game Information
- Referees:
- Larry Scirotto
- Michael Kashirsky
- Kevin Raher
2024-25 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marist | 2-0 | - | 8-2 |
| Quinnipiac | 2-0 | - | 5-7 |
| Merrimack | 2-0 | - | 5-8 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 1-1 | 1 | 8-4 |
| Manhattan | 1-1 | 1 | 6-5 |
| Niagara | 1-1 | 1 | 5-7 |
| Fairfield | 1-1 | 1 | 5-7 |
| Siena | 1-1 | 1 | 5-7 |
| Sacred Heart | 1-1 | 1 | 4-8 |
| Iona | 1-1 | 1 | 4-8 |
| Saint Peter's | 0-2 | 2 | 5-5 |
| Rider | 0-2 | 2 | 4-9 |
| Canisius | 0-2 | 2 | 0-13 |
2024-25 Big Ten Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 2-0 | - | 10-2 |
| UCLA | 2-0 | - | 10-2 |
| Michigan | 2-0 | - | 9-3 |
| Oregon | 1-1 | 1 | 11-1 |
| Maryland | 1-1 | 1 | 10-2 |
| Penn State | 1-1 | 1 | 10-2 |
| Nebraska | 1-1 | 1 | 8-2 |
| Iowa | 1-1 | 1 | 9-3 |
| Northwestern | 1-1 | 1 | 9-3 |
| Indiana | 1-1 | 1 | 9-3 |
| Illinois | 1-1 | 1 | 8-3 |
| USC | 1-1 | 1 | 9-4 |
| Ohio State | 1-1 | 1 | 8-4 |
| Purdue | 1-1 | 1 | 8-4 |
| Rutgers | 1-1 | 1 | 7-5 |
| Wisconsin | 0-2 | 2 | 10-3 |
| Washington | 0-2 | 2 | 8-3 |
| Minnesota | 0-2 | 2 | 7-5 |
Men's College Basketball News
