Rutgers basketball opens season with commanding win over New Haven
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 7, 2026, 2:11 AM
Last updated Nov 7, 2026
Rutgers men's basketball began its 2026-27 season with an 81-54 victory against New Haven on November 6. The Scarlet Knights, led by acting coach Brandin Knight in Steve Pikiell's absence due to cancer treatment, displayed strong team depth. Notable performances included Rasheed Jones contributing 14 points and several freshmen making key plays. The win comes as New Haven struggles, having lost its previous game to Syracuse. Fans showed support with a ‘Rutgers Tough’ merchandise campaign benefiting cancer research.
- •Rutgers scores 81 points, allowing 54 against New Haven.
- •Rasheed Jones scores 14 points, showing strong shooting ability.
- •Brandin Knight coaches in Pikiell's absence, effectively using deep rotation.
- •Freshmen like Mervedi Miteo make early contributions.
- •Fans support cancer research through 'Rutgers Tough' merchandise sales.
- 2:11 AMYahoo Sports — Rutgers beats New Haven 81-54 for acting head coach Brandin Knight's 1st victory
- 1:55 AMYahoo Sports — Rutgers basketball showcases depth in season-opening rout of New Haven
"(AP) — Rasheed Jones and Tariq Francis each scored 14 points, and Rutgers opened its season with an 81-54 victory over New Haven on Friday night to give acting head coach Brandin Knight his first victory.Jones made his first four 3-point attempts and Rutgers finished 9 of 23 (39%) from distance in Knight’s first official game in place of head coach Steve Pikiell, who is receiving cancer treatment.
"5 takeaways as Rutgers basketball opened the season with an emphatic win under Brandin Knight
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 7, 2026, 2:11 AMRutgers beats New Haven 81-54 for acting head coach Brandin Knight's 1st victory
(AP) — Rasheed Jones and Tariq Francis each scored 14 points, and Rutgers opened its season with an 81-54 victory over New Haven on Friday night to give acting head coach Brandin Knight his first victory.Jones made his first four 3-point attempts and Rutgers finished 9 of 23 (39%) from distance in Knight’s first official game in place of head coach Steve Pikiell, who is receiving cancer treatment.
- Yahoo SportsNov 7, 2026, 1:55 AMRutgers basketball showcases depth in season-opening rout of New Haven
5 takeaways as Rutgers basketball opened the season with an emphatic win under Brandin Knight
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