Hackettstown, NJ: The Cyclones fall to the Scarlet Raiders of Rutgers - Newark, by a final score of 73-66. Their record falls to 6-7 on the season as they inch closer to Conference play on Wednesday, January 8th.
Inside the Box Score
The Cyclones trailed Rutgers in the first twenty minutes of action, wrapping up the first half facing a twelve point deficit (37-25). Once again, the Cyclones would put together a strong second half performance. Despite outscoring the Scarlet Raiders, 41-36 in the second half, the Clones were unable to mount a comeback. The Clones were able to trim the lead to as low as five points with six minutes remaining in the contest. In the numbers, the Cyclones would match up pretty evenly across the board finishing the contest with nearly identical stats. The Clones scored a majority of their points in the paint, scoring a total of forty-two points. As a team, the Cyclones were able to come down with thirty-two rebounds and were able to score ten second chance points. On the defensive end, the Cyclones recorded four steals and one block. Of the Scarlet Raiders eleven turnovers, the Clones were able to score a total of twelve points.
Game Standouts
Team leader in points per game,
Kenneth Rankin, once again recorded a team best in points. Rankin posted fifteen points, two assists, and six rebounds in the contest.
Devin Strickland would go on to have a complete game in his first start for the Cyclones, getting it done in all phases. The sophomore guard, concluded the game with twelve points. five assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
Since cracking into the starting lineup,
Michael Salvatore has continued to be a steady presence for the Cyclones. Scoring eleven points in the game, Salvatore also contributed four assists, four rebounds, and one steal on the day.
In eighteen minutes of action,
Domenic Raymond recorded a career high, and team best eight rebounds against the Scarlet Raiders. Raymond would go on to shoot 75% from the floor, ending his day with six points. The lone block of the game for the Cyclones would come from Raymond during the second half.
