Rutgers Beats New Haven 81-54 in Opener
The Scarlet Knights opened the season under acting head coach Brandin Knight while Steve Pikiell battles cancer.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
Rutgers defeated New Haven 81-54 in its first regular season game under acting head coach Brandin Knight. Head coach Steve Pikiell was absent as he continues his battle with cancer.
Why it matters
The win gives the Scarlet Knights an early result as they navigate leadership changes while Pikiell is away from the team. The team's frontcourt depth will be a key factor as Big Ten play begins.
Rutgers finished last season 14-20 and opened this season with an 81-54 victory over New Haven. Tariq Francis scored 14 points on 5 of 14 shooting, including 1 of 6 from three-point range, while Jamichael Davis added 13 points on 5 of 5 shooting.
The players
Steve Pikiell
Rutgers' head basketball coach, who was absent from the opener while battling cancer.
Brandin Knight
Rutgers assistant coach serving as acting head coach for the season opener.
The details
Rutgers pulled ahead after Tariq Francis threw an alley-oop to Jamichael Davis, who finished it and followed with a three-pointer. The Scarlet Knights led by 15 in the first half and by 30 midway through the second half, with Christian Gurdak adding 12 points.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Rutgers defeats New Haven 81-54 in its regular season opener.
Tuesday: Rutgers hosts NJIT.
Season Trajectory
Rutgers finished last season 14-20, and its opening win against New Haven gives the program an early step as it begins its schedule. The Scarlet Knights' ability to contend in the Big Ten will depend on how well the team's big men perform in conference play.
Rutgers hosts NJIT on Tuesday, giving fans another home opportunity early in the season. The Scarlet Knights' frontcourt depth will be tested as conference play approaches.
The takeaway
Early wins matter for building confidence, and the Scarlet Knights will need steady contributions from every rotation player as the schedule intensifies.
What happens next
Rutgers hosts NJIT at home on Tuesday.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in Basketball for New Jersey teams and schedules.
