Keys to the Game: Sacred Heart at Rutgers (November 10, 2022)

 

photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Sacred Heart (1-0) at Rutgers (1-0)

After demolishing Columbia 75-35 on Monday this past week, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Sacred Heart Pioneers at The RAC on Thursday, November 10th at 7 PM ET (BTN+). Sacred Heart will be a little bit of a step up in competition as they are currently rated 294 in the KenPom Rankings. Sacred Heart recently defeated the Division III bound Hartford Hawks 77-70 in their opening game of the season this past Tuesday. Sacred Heart saw four players score in double-digits against Hartford, including G Joey Reilly tallying a team best 23 points.

Last year the Pioneers finished 10-20 overall and 6-12 in the Northeast Conference. Sacred Heart's final NET ranking was 323 and the Pioneers did not post a single noteworthy win last year. Rutgers leads the all-time series 4-0 against Sacred Heart, and last defeated the Pioneers 86-63 in 2020. The Pioneers also lost several key scorers to the transfer portal this past off-season; however, Pioneer coach Anthony Latina is bringing in three transfers, Brendan McGuire (Quinnipiac), Raheem Solomon (Niagara), and Aidan Carpenter (Siena) to fill that void.

This is a game Rutgers should be favored heavily to win, and the talent gap between the Scarlet Knights and Pioneers is not even close. Rutgers also has more experience and athleticism. Historically speaking though, Rutgers should not take teams like Sacred Heart lightly and should remained focused and determined to win. Sacred Heart will be a Q4 opponent for the Scarlet Knights.

KEYS TO THE GAME

• No slow starts, keep your foot on the gas - Just like in the game against Columbia this past week, Rutgers needs to replicate the same start and get off to a hot one. If Rutgers can build its lead early, it should give confidence for the rest of the team. Rutgers needs to be able to manage the lead and distance themselves early from the Pioneers and not allow them to come back. In Monday's game against Columbia, Rutgers got off to a 21-5 start but only for Columbia to inch back into the game making it 25-21 at one point. Rutgers was able to reel off a 6-0 run to close the half with a 31-21 lead. If Rutgers jumps out to a big lead early on, they need to continue do what works by making high percentage shots, limit turnovers, and not to force anything. 
• Get Spencer going early - Cam Spencer played an incredible second half against Columbia and nailed shot after shot, ultimately finishing with 17 points. If Rutgers can get Spencer going in the 1st half and he can continue to stay hot, there's no stopping him. Not only can Spencer shoot but he plays tough defense and can nab some steals. On a day McConnell will likely not play, Spencer can help fill that void.
• Feed the beast - Rutgers needs to get the ball down low to Cliff Omoruyi and let the big guy go to work on an inferior team. Work to create good looks for Omoruyi to jam the ball and draw screens to free him up to shoot from the top of the key. Cliff's game has improved vastly and Rutgers needs to take full advantage.
• Bench production - Rutgers did not nearly see as much bench production as they would like to have seen against Columbia, but when those bench players come into the game on Thursday, they have to capitalize, make shots, and not foul. Rutgers may have to rely on a tight 8-man rotation but if someone else from the bench can step up, it adds another dimension to the game.
• Shut down Reilly - Joey Reilly proved on Tuesday that he is going to be one of the go-to guys on Sacred Heart as he nailed 5 of 7 three-point shots and was 9 of 12 from the field against Hartford. Rutgers is going to have to protect the perimeter on defense and guard Reilly real tight.
• Get Mag and Hyatt involved - Both players appeared to have really improved since last season as Mawot Mag and Aundre Hyatt scored in double figures on Monday. Hyatt was able to nab a double-double with 10 rebounds and 12 points. If these guys continue to produce like they did in the game on Monday, they are bound for an incredible year. Rutgers truly needs these two warriors to produce in double figures once again.