Rutgers Ends Losing Skid With 81-53 Rout Of Iona

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) -- Aundre Hyatt scored 17 points off the bench to lead six Rutgers players in double figures as the Scarlet Knights ended a two-game losing streak with an 81-53 victory over Iona on Saturday night.

Cam Spencer added 16 points for Rutgers (6-4), while Caleb McConnell had 13 and Mawot Mag contributed 12. Dean Reiber scored 11 and Derek Simpson 10.

Rutgers hit 10 3-pointers, shot 48% overall and outrebounded Iona 41-24. The Scarlet Knights led by 14 at the break and pulled away in the second half.

"I'm proud of our guys," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. "They played hard and together. We got a lot of good shots tonight and we made them."

The Gaels (4-5) were led by Nelly Junior Joseph's 12 points. Isaiah Ross added 11.

"Rutgers is a very good team," Iona coach Rick Pitino said. "They're long and athletic and they play hard. We just couldn't keep up with them tonight."

Rutgers took control of the game early, building a 10-point lead in the first 10 minutes. The Scarlet Knights led by 14 at the break, 40-26.

In the second half, Rutgers extended its lead to 20 points with a 10-0 run. The Scarlet Knights led by as many as 28 points before settling for the 28-point victory.

"We needed this win," Hyatt said. "We've been working hard and we're starting to come together as a team. We're going to keep getting better."

Rutgers will host UMass Lowell on Tuesday night. Iona will host Niagara on Wednesday night.

Did you know?

• Rutgers has won its last two games against Iona.
• Iona is 1-5 in its last six games.
• Rutgers is 6-4 this season.

What's next?

Rutgers will host UMass Lowell on Tuesday night. Iona will host Niagara on Wednesday night.