Newark, NJ —  Rutgers-Newark delivered an impressive defensive performance in the opening half but could not carry it through the final 20 minutes, ultimately falling 54–50 to Ramapo College after a second-half turnaround. Rutgers struggled offensively throughout the night, shooting just 28.1% from the field and 11.5% from three-point range, but strong early defense allowed the Scarlet Raiders to control the game early.

Rutgers set the tone on the defensive end in the first half, holding Ramapo to just 15 points while limiting the Roadrunners to 17.%  shooting from the field. The Scarlet Raiders contested nearly every look and capitalizing on Ramapo turnovers with 12 points off turnovers, building a 24–15 lead at halftime despite their own offensive challenges.

The momentum shifted after the break as Rutgers' shooting woes continued and Ramapo finally found its rhythm, pouring on 39 points in the half. The Scarlet Raiders again shot 28.1% from the field in the second half and managed just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc. The offense stalled as Ramapo made their run, outscoring Rutgers by 13 in the second half to erase the deficit.

Raheem Murray led Rutgers-Newark with 19 points, but he struggled from long range, finishing 1-of-7 from three. 

The Scarlet Raiders will look to bounce back on the road as thery travel to face The College of New Jersey in another NJAC matchup this weekend. 

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