Dec. 14, 2016
Box Score
Photo Gallery 
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers (10-1) shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) and established a 43-31 rebounding advantage in an 82-69 win over Fairleigh Dickinson (2-8) Wednesday evening at the RAC. Corey Sanders and Mike Williams both posted 15 points to lead four Scarlet Knights in double figures as RU improved to 8-0 at home for the first time since 2001-02.
"The Riot Squad, the student section was great tonight," said Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell. "They've been getting better and better, and that's helping us. We played a team picked to win their league, an NCAA Tournament team last year, that is dangerous from three. I thought we figured out a way to win the game."
Sanders was 6-of-11 from the field, while Williams shot 4-of-8 in a reserve role to spark an offense that posted a 35-6 advantage in bench points. C.J. Gettys contributed 12 points and Candido Sa added 11, to boost a frontcourt attack that benefitted from a 50-32 scoring advantage in the paint and a 22-10 edge in second chance points. Both Gettys and Sa were 4-of-6 from the field in RU's second game this season shooting above 50 percent.
Rutgers fed the post early, establishing a 12-0 advantage in the paint to jump-out to a 13-8 lead. Despite struggling with its perimeter shot, the Scarlet Knights were able to build a seven point, 22-15, advantage. FDU responded with a 12-4 run, however, to pull ahead. Trailing 32-30, the home squad responded with an 8-0 burst to close the stanza.
The Scarlet Knights entered the locker room at the midpoint with a 38-32 lead. Deshawn Freeman, who concluded the evening with 13 rebounds, grabbed 10 before the break.
Fairleigh Dickinson posted the initial five points of the second half to pull within one, but would get no closer. Strong defense enabled RU to increase its advantage to double figures, 56-46, but the persistent visitors would not relent.
A flagrant and technical foul on FDU with 4:36 to play provided Rutgers four free throws and possession. Williams made 3-of-4 from the stripe and the home squad's advantage remained in double digits thereafter.
The Scarlet Knights return to the hardwood at Madison Square Garden to face Fordham in game two of the ECAC Holiday Festival doubleheader this Sunday (Dec. 18). The game will tip-off at approximately 1 p.m. At halftime of game one between St. John's and Penn State, Rutgers Athletics Hall of Famer Hollis Copeland will be honored as an ECAC Legend.
Postgame Notes
Rutgers improved to 8-0 at the RAC for the first time since 2001-02.
RU is undefeated at home in nonconference play for the first time since 2010-11.
RU's 51.7 percent (31-of-60) shooting mark was its second best this season, after depositing 64.8 percent (35-of-54 versus CCSU.
Deshawn Freeman had 13 rebounds, reaching double-digits on the boards for the seventh time this season and 12th time in 18 career games.
Corey Sanders reached double digit scoring for sixth time this season and the 28th time in his career (38 games). The 15 points tied his season high.
Nigel Johnson tied his career-high with seven assists.
Candido Sa tied his career-high with 11 points.
CJ Gettys tied his career-high with four assists.
Rutgers had four players score in double-digit points for the sixth time this season.
Rutgers' bench outscored FDU's reserves 35-6. RU has had the advantage in bench points in every game this season (354-133 on the season).
The Scarlet Knights had a 43-31 advantage in rebounds and 50-32 advantage in points in the paint. RU has led those categories in 10 of 11 games this season (all wins).
Rutgers improved to 12-2 all-time against FDU.
Postgame Quotes
Rutgers Head Coach Steve Pikiell:
Opening Statement: "Great crowd tonight. The Riot Squad, the student section was great tonight. They've been getting better and better, and that's helping us. We played a team picked to win their league, NCAA Tournament team last year, dangerous from three. I thought we figured out a way to win the game. I've got to give a tip of the cap to Corey Sanders, he's been sick all day. Deshawn has been dealing with some stuff. We got through a difficult past couple of days. We were able to tough out a win, so I'm real pleased with that. We're on to the next one."
On FDU's physicality: "At first, what I was most concerned that we weren't staying in front of the ball. They were very physical. Their ability to shoot from multiple positions was what scared me in watching all the tapes. I knew they were much better than their record, especially with the addition of (Earl) Potts. They are going to be very good in their league, they were picked to win it. He's a really good coach. We stepped it up in the second half, physically too. We rebounded, got the ball where we wanted to. I love this - 16 assists and eight turnovers. We out rebounded them as our game plan was. Then we made some shots in the second half. We made some threes."
On the insertion of Nigel Johnson into the starting lineup: "I thought Jonathan Laurent was good coming off the bench. I wanted to flip it a bit and have another ball-handler. Also knowing that Corey was a little bit under the weather. I look at our guys - Mike Williams is a starter; Candido Sa is a starter. That stuff never factors in. I thought maybe have Jon give us a spark off the bench. I have a lot of faith in Nigel, and Jon too. The matchups I thought were favorable for Nigel Johnson tonight. This isn't little league baseball. Everyone doesn't get up to the plate. I play the best, I'm fair to the rest. Mike Williams has been playing great, Issa Thiam when he shoots the ball provides us with a weapon. Shaq Doorson is coming on too, so I have to find a way to get him minutes. I do a lot by practice, that's important to me. You hope it sparks guys to practice hard. You can see our team is coming. We have a lot of weapons and I trust them all."
On the team: "We rebounded well today, we were more physical, and we made some threes. We're figuring out ways to win games. I'm proud of the guys for that. Each game has presented a different challenge, and we've been able to respond and take care of the game."
Fairleigh Dickinson Head Coach Greg Herenda:
Opening statement: "I live in Hillsdale and I pay a lot of taxes, and I'm proud to pay the taxes to Rutgers basketball. I just love their team. Steve (Pikiell) and I have been friends; I'm close with the UConn staff and all those guys. (Rutgers) plays really hard, they rebound, they're long, they're a good basketball team and it was a privilege (to compete against). This is the fourth time I've been a head coach here and we won once. That's was a highlight, it was my first Division I win here in Piscataway. But now it is a new Rutgers basketball team. I really love their team and I know it is going to be tough in the Big Ten, but I am excited to be a New Jersey resident. I am also proud to be the head coach of Fairleigh Dickinson. Our kids fought really hard. We went up 32-30 at the TV timeout and went into halftime down 38-32. That was crucial. The same thing happened at Ohio State. We were up five and went in down one. We are playing four minutes each half that costs us games. My team will improve and gain from this. I am very proud of my team. They fought hard, but Rutgers was bigger, stronger and tougher tonight."
On the flagrant foul: "When you lose a really good big guy that was having a good game, it's hard. But we had a great (officiating) crew. I know that Mike Holloway doesn't have a bad bone in his body, so I don't think there was any intent. I think he might have hit him, but the rules protect the players. But that didn't help. They shot four free throws, retained possession of the ball and our best big guy was escorted to the locker room. It was a pivotal play, but it wasn't the game or the play that ended the game, there were a lot of other plays. But that didn't help. I'm sure, not having seen the video, that the referees did the right thing. It was a tough, hard-fought game. I don't think Mike did anything malicious to hurt anyone. I think he went for the ball and hit the kid above the shoulders, and now that is a flagrant one, two."
On Rutgers: "I love the arena and I love Rutgers, I really do. I'm rooting for Steve and (Chris) Ash and all of these guys. This is our state and you guys cover it. If everybody wins, it makes everyone better."
On Steve Pikiell: "I just knew when Steve got the job that - and it's nothing against Eddie (Jordan), a great coach and a great guy - it was the perfect time for Steve. People don't realize how much he paid his dues. It was also the right time for me to get the Fairleigh Dickinson job. When Steve got this job, I knew as basketball person and friend that this program would be in good shape. Now they have to play some big boys in this building, and hopefully the RAC will get back to what it was. You can win games in your league. Once you get into a league, in basketball its 5-on-5 - football is a little different - and I'm not going to be surprised when they storm the court here."
