RUTGERS WIN OVER MARIST WRAP-UP

by Ray Floriani


Coach Fred Hill was pleased with the Scarlet Knight win noting, “we did the things and made the plays we needed to win. Corey Chandler in particular made a few big plays.”

Hill had Rutgers scrimmage UMASS specifically to prepare for the dribble drive motion offense. It is tough to defend especially if you have never played it. And seeing it on film is nowhere near playing it. UMASS is coached by Derek Kellogg. Both he and Marist coach Chucky Martin served as John Calipari assistants at Memphis before securing their present positions last Spring.

Mike Rosario led Rutgers with 17 points. Rosario did not force things and passed up a few early shot possibilities to look for team mates on screen and rolls. The Scarlet Knight freshman is a scorer but plays very well in the framework of the offense. He is also very dangerous in transition.

St.Anthony assistants were on hand. Ben Gamble, one of the Friar assistants, was shocked to hear Marist was picked for the bottom of their MAAC conference by some publications. Gamble also noted Dominic Cheek was visiting Memphis for the weekend.

Several players went down late in the game due to cramps as the unseasonable warm night was felt in the Rutgers Athletic Center.

Fred Hill was chatting informally after the game when it was pointed out the Big East team pennants behind the hanging from the rafters of the one baseline gave a formidable display of marquee programs. “When my guys let up in practice,” Hill said, “I just point to those banners and remind them of their competition. They get the message.”

Consensus at the RAC was this was a game Rutgers may have lost a year ago and their college basketball odds of winning have improved this season. A big reason for the win was the 16 blocks that tied a school record and negated a good part of Marist’s penetration. Hamady N'Diaye led with 8 while another impressive frosh Greg Echenique added 6.