Rutgers set to play DePaul in Gavitt Games

The 2021-2022 schedule for Rutgers men’s basketball is starting to take shape. Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Thursday morning that the Scarlet Knights will play at DePaul on as part of the annual Gavitt Games between the Big East and Big Ten. It was officially announced by Rutgers later in the afternoon.

The two teams previously met in the Gavitt Games in head coach Steve Pikiell’s first season on the banks. Rutgers won 66-59 on the road as part of a 6-0 start to Pikiell’s tenure. RU leads the all-time series against DePaul 7-4.

Rutgers is 1-2 all-time in the Gavitt Games. They last played in the series against St. John’s on November 16, 2018 in what was a 84-65 loss at the RAC. RU was scheduled to play last season, but the Gavitt Games were cancelled due to COVID-19.

As for the rest of the non-conference schedule, Rutgers will once again host the Hoop Group Garden State Classic. It is a four team MTE that will include Lehigh, NJIT and Merrimack per public records obtained by the D1 Docket.

The annual Garden State Hardwood Classic against Seton Hall was previously announced earlier this month after both sides were able to agree to continue to rivalry after a one year pause last season.

In addition, the other non-conference games reported so far by Rothstein were UMASS and Rider.

The pairing for Rutgers in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge has not yet been announced. Another three opponents will likely be scheduled to fill out the non-conference portion for the Scarlet Knights. The 20-game Big Ten schedule hasn’t been announced, but the league opponents RU will face was released last month.

Rutgers is awaiting the decision of stars Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., who have until July 7th to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return for next season. For more on next season’s roster, click here.