Men’s Basketball Defeats Madrid All-Stars 96-78 in First Game Abroad
Aug 07 | Men's Basketball
MADRID – Five players scored in double figures to help propel Rutgers to a 96-78 exhibition victory over the Madrid All-Stars Wednesday evening in the first of four games during the Scarlet Knights' tour of Spain. RU jumped-out to 10-0 advantage and led for the contest's entirety, while out-rebounding its host by a 50-25 margin.
"We put some points on the board and played exciting basketball against a veteran team," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "We had a lot of turnovers and have a lot to clean up, but I like that we are a high-energy team with a lot of weapons. We just have to play better the next go-around."
Senior big man Shaq Carter shot 7-of-9 to pace the Scarlet Knights with a game-high 18 points. He was joined in double-digits by sophomore Ron Harper Jr., juniors Peter Kiss and Jacob Young, and graduate transfer Akwasi Yeboah. Harper and Kiss both scored 16 points, while Yeboah contributed 14 and Young 11, as the Scarlet Knights made 48 percent (36-of-75) of their field goal attempts.
It marked the first career game action in a Scarlet jersey for Yeboah and Young, as well as freshman guard Paul Mulcahy. The contest was played under FIBA rules utilizing four, 10-minute quarters.
"It was a hard-fought game and a good test and way for us to get used to each other," said Yeboah. "We're clicking and beginning to play well with one another. Tonight was about adjusting to the European style of play."
Despite battling foul trouble, the Scarlet Knights led by as much 23 points and held a 17-point advantage at the midpoint. Harper was issued his fifth infraction in the third quarter, limiting his evening to 17 productive minutes.
"Everyone gives us something…We have a lot of different pieces, which is exciting," said Pikiell. "Ron got into foul trouble, but was dominant leading into that."
Thirteen student-athletes saw action for Rutgers, which limited Madrid to 26 percent (8-of-31) shooting from behind the arc.
"It was a good way to get started," added Pikiell. "I think we'll play better in the next game. Spain and its people have been great. We're looking forward to what's ahead of us."
Rutgers next hits the hardwood on Saturday evening against the CC Basketball Academy in Valencia. The contest is slated for a 7:30 p.m. local tip-off.
"I really appreciate Scarlet Nation following us on this tour," said Pikiell. "They are the best. We're getting better. This is an exciting team with a lot of answers…I really liked the tempo we played with tonight. Better days are ahead."
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"We put some points on the board and played exciting basketball against a veteran team," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "We had a lot of turnovers and have a lot to clean up, but I like that we are a high-energy team with a lot of weapons. We just have to play better the next go-around."
Senior big man Shaq Carter shot 7-of-9 to pace the Scarlet Knights with a game-high 18 points. He was joined in double-digits by sophomore Ron Harper Jr., juniors Peter Kiss and Jacob Young, and graduate transfer Akwasi Yeboah. Harper and Kiss both scored 16 points, while Yeboah contributed 14 and Young 11, as the Scarlet Knights made 48 percent (36-of-75) of their field goal attempts.
It marked the first career game action in a Scarlet jersey for Yeboah and Young, as well as freshman guard Paul Mulcahy. The contest was played under FIBA rules utilizing four, 10-minute quarters.
"It was a hard-fought game and a good test and way for us to get used to each other," said Yeboah. "We're clicking and beginning to play well with one another. Tonight was about adjusting to the European style of play."
Despite battling foul trouble, the Scarlet Knights led by as much 23 points and held a 17-point advantage at the midpoint. Harper was issued his fifth infraction in the third quarter, limiting his evening to 17 productive minutes.
"Everyone gives us something…We have a lot of different pieces, which is exciting," said Pikiell. "Ron got into foul trouble, but was dominant leading into that."
Thirteen student-athletes saw action for Rutgers, which limited Madrid to 26 percent (8-of-31) shooting from behind the arc.
"It was a good way to get started," added Pikiell. "I think we'll play better in the next game. Spain and its people have been great. We're looking forward to what's ahead of us."
Rutgers next hits the hardwood on Saturday evening against the CC Basketball Academy in Valencia. The contest is slated for a 7:30 p.m. local tip-off.
"I really appreciate Scarlet Nation following us on this tour," said Pikiell. "They are the best. We're getting better. This is an exciting team with a lot of answers…I really liked the tempo we played with tonight. Better days are ahead."
Follow Rutgers men's basketball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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