Omoruyi's career-high 25 powers Rutgers past Long Island University, 83-61

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Clifford Omoruyi closed out the first half with three dunks and finished with a career-high 25 points and 11 rebounds to help power Rutgers to an 83-61 win over Long Island University on Saturday afternoon.

The Scarlet Knights returned to action after a week off and played their first home game in two weeks. They now have won 49 of their past 53 games against non-conference opponents at home.

Omoruyi threw down four dunks and scored 17 points in the first half and his dunk with a second left gave Rutgers (7-3) a 41-30 lead at the break. He was 12 of 15 shooting from the field and blocked three shots. Aundre Hyatt and Jamichael Davis each added 12 points and had three assists and Hyatt pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. Mawot Mag and Derek Simpson each contributed 10 points.

LIU (1-9) shot 25 of 60 from the field (41.7%), hitting 6 of 20 from beyond the arc, but was out-rebounded by a 43-33 margin.

Tana Kopa led the Sharks with 19 points with six rebounds and three steals. C.J. Delancy added 12 points.

Rutgers' final two games of 2023 are at home. The Scarlet Knights play host to Mississippi State Saturday and host Stonehill December 30. LIU will look to snap its five-game losing streak at Mount St. Mary's Saturday.

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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball