Men’s Basketball Routs CCSU 83-49 as McConnell Returns to Action

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball plays well against non-conference opponents at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

RU moved to (23-1) in the past three seasons in those games with the 83-49 victory over Central Connecticut State on Saturday at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

Senior wing Caleb McConnell returned to action after being sidelined for six weeks due to a knee injury and his presence was felt immediately. McConnell made his first shot attempt from the field in the first half. McConnell finished with four points, four rebounds, three assists, and a block.

“Our fans were great today, it’s great to have Caleb (McConnell) back on the court,” head coach Steve Pikiell said. “We missed him. I really thought – and he was the appropriate guy to have here – Jalen (Miller) gave us great energy off the bench and did some really good things as did Wolf (Antwone Woolfolk) and those guys, so everyone contributed. Good win here. A lot of guys playing valuable minutes in his (Caleb’s) absence and in Paul’s (Paul Mulcahy) absence. I hope that bodes well for us moving forward. Looking forward to having Paul back too on the court hopefully soon.”

When the 2021-22 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year stepped onto the floor, a few minutes into the game, he received a standing ovation from the crowd in Piscataway. The team fed off his energy in his 25 minutes played. Pikiell commented on the energy that McConnell brings every time he steps on the floor.

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