No. 24 Rutgers men's basketball looking for 3rd-straight win against Monmouth
The new season continues for Rutgers men's basketball team on Friday night when the Scarlet Knights (2-0, 0-0) host Monmouth at Jersey Mike's Arena on Livingston campus. The Hawks (0-3, 0-0) are No. 24 Rutgers' third straight opponent visiting from in-state or New York to open up the season, and that number goes to four, including October's exhibition against St. John's.
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell seems to have adopted the same philosophy as a fellow in-state head coach.
"I have no interest in ever playing Kentucky, Arizona, Gonzaga," said St. Peter's head coach Bashir Mason after Monday's loss to the Knights. "I want to play the schools in the metropolitan area because there's an energy about it that I enjoy."
That energy was certainly there in Monday's 75-65 dogfight between Rutgers and the Peacocks (0-3, 0-0), but the Knights should have less trouble taking down Monmouth. The visitors enter Friday winless and have not been particularly competitive in the three losses, losing by a combined 66 points.
The Hawks have two major offensive threats that Rutgers must be keen on. Abdi Bashir Jr. and Madison Durr have combined for 95 of Monmouth's 197 points on the season so far, averaging 18.3 and 13.3 points per game (PPG), respectively. The offense runs through the backcourt duo, and when they are off the floor, Justin Ray is a top-notch sixth man averaging 9.3 PPG as just a freshman.
The Knights struggled defensively against St. Peters' guard Marcus Randolph, so the trio of Hawks guards could pose issues if they get hot. Look for Rutgers to lean on the stout perimeter defense of junior guard Jordan Derkack and sophomore guard Jamichael Davis to shut down Bashir Jr., Durr and Ray.
Freshman forward Ace Bailey has yet to make his Knights debut after suffering an injury in practice and may also miss Friday's contest. The injury has forced Rutgers to lean on many different players. Derkack, fifth-year guard and forward PJ Hayes IV and freshman center Lathan Sommerville have all made timely contributions already.
Of course, freshman guard Dylan Harper made his mark in his first two collegiate games, scoring 44 points through two games. If Bailey does not return to finally form the five-star duo with Harper, Pikiell will look to his depth players to step up yet again.
"We need all these guys," Pikiell said. "We're gonna be a team. We're gonna win because of the group. This isn't just a one-man show."
Friday's matchup with Monmouth tips off at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network and 88.7 WRSU FM.
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