The “Avoid A Letdown” Game Thread: Rutgers At Fordham

Rutgers (5-3) At Fordham (6-2)

How To Watch, Listen, News & Notes

Where: Rose Hill Gymnasium in Bronx, New York (Buy tickets here)

Tip-off: Saturday, December 8th at 2:30 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Sports Network - Dave Ryan & Bob Wenzel

Stream: CBS Sports Network (cable provider sign-in required)

Radio: Rutgers IMG Sports Network - WCTC 1450 AM/WOR 710 AM - Jerry Recco & Joe Boylan

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #99; Fordham #239

(Rutgers has moved up 7 spots since the loss to #11 Wisconsin)

KenPom Prediction: Rutgers 64 Fordham 59; Rutgers has an 68% chance to win.

Vegas Line: Rutgers -7.5

Series History: Tied at 27 wins apiece, with Rutgers winning last season’s meeting 75-63.

Game 8 recap & four thoughts

Notes: Rose Hill Gymnasium is the oldest on campus venue in Division I basketball. Rutgers is ranked 21st in Division I in scoring defense, allowing just 60.8 ppg, is 33rd in blocked shots with 5.1 ppg and 72nd in field goal percentage defense at 40.0%.

Steve Pikiell on the matchup:

“Rose Hill is a unique venue. An old, traditional setting for a basketball game. The fans are right on the court, it’s loud. Both teams are tough. Fordham is well coached, they have talented young guys, they shoot the three as well as anybody. They are off to a really good start at 6-2. We’re still figuring our team and their roles out, but these guys are doing more and more good things on the floor. We hope to continue our good momentum and play 40 minutes of good basketball.”

The Scarlet Knights head to historic Rose Hill Gymnasium to play its third road game in a week and a half. Fordham is coming off a heartbreaking double overtime loss earlier this week and is a dangerous team from behind the arc. Rutgers needs to come out from the opening tip with energy and asset control in this game. Avoiding a slow start is important and hopefully Rutgers can get contributions from everyone who sees time today. Get the win and head home to prepare for exams and blood rival Seton Hall.

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GAME PREVIEW