The Rutgers Scarlet Knights put four players in double figures on Thursday afternoon, going on to defeat the Maine Black Bears 80-64 in men’s non-conference basketball action at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Maine (3-8) hung tough early leading once in the first half and trailing by as much as 14 to Rutgers out of the Big 10 Conference. The hosts would lead 42-30 at halftime. The lead went to as many as 20 in the second half, but not without a good effort by the Black Bears who were led by LeChaun DuHart who had a game high 22 points (4-9 three-pointers).
Duhart added four rebounds and three assists in defeat. Ata Turgut would chip in 15 points as the only other Maine player to hit double figures. The Black Bears, who have had trouble shooting the ball this season, shot 42% from the floor overall and 9-22 from the three-point arc (41%) in the loss. Ron Harper Jr. led Rutgers (6-5) in the win with 19 points and seven rebounds. Paul Mulchany and Clifford Omoruyi had 14 points each, while Caleb McConnell contributed 13. The Scarlet Knights shot 53%, and 10-20 (50%) from long distance. Maine, who ends non-conference play with no wins against Division I opponents (0-8), will now turn their attention to America East Conference play which begins Sunday when they visit New Jersey Institute of Technology at 2 p.m.
