After a spirited, but disappointing OT loss to Princeton, Rutgers (0-1) will take on Fairfield (1-0) at the RAC Monday night.
What do they have to look forward to? Find out after the jump . . .
Predicted by many to be the MAAC champions this year, Fairfield is a veteran team. They beat Sacred Heart 62-45 in their season opener.The Stags are supposed to be a three point shooting team lead by Derek Needham. Last year he averaged around 16 pts, and lead the team in scoring against with 13 points. The big man to watch out for is Ryan Olander, a 6'11" junior. He scored 8 against Sacred Heart. With a veteran starting line-up--two seniors, two juniors, and a sophomore--this is a team that won't wilt under pressure.
I would expect the Stags to go at Gil Biruta and Austin Johnson early in the game and try to wear them down. With the amount of fouls RU racked up against Princeton, and their lack of depth, the smart play would be to try and put the Knights in early foul trouble. RU will have to do a lot of switching and that could lead to open threes.
This game should be a bit more wide open and just as close as the Princeton game. Rutgers is going to have to find scoring from Jonathan Mitchell. Hopefully, Mike Poole, James Beatty, and Dane Miller will remain consistent.
Another tough match-up for the Knights at the RAC.