Men's Basketball Faces Rhode Island Saturday On NESN-TV
12/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
University of Rhode Island Rams (6-3)
Saturday, December 11, 2010 - 3 p.m.
TD Bank Sports Center - Hamden, Conn.
NESN-TV
Bobcats Conclude Homestand Saturday Against Rhode Island On
NESN
The Quinnipiac University men's basketball team concludes
its five-game homestand Saturday, when it plays host to Rhode
Island in a game regionally-televised on NESN. The Bobcats are
coming off a wild 84-78 victory against Lehigh on Tuesday, while
the Rams defeated Northeastern on the road Wednesday. Rhode Island
leads the all-time series, 2-0, including an 83-74 victory, Dec. 8,
2009, in Kingston, R.I.
Scouting the Rhode Island Rams
The Rams (6-3) are led by Delroy James, who's averaged
21.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Marquis Jones (11.0) and
Nikola Malesevic (10.0) both average double figures in scoring,
with Malesevic shooting 57.7 percent from long range. Akeem
Richmond narrowly misses double figures at 9.8 points per game.
Will Martel has contributed 6.2 boards per game, while Daniel West
has dished out 4.0 assists per game.
Last
Time Out Against Lehigh
Justin Rutty compiled his 35th career double-double with
27 points and 11 rebounds as the Bobcats defeated Lehigh, 84-78.
James Johnson (18), Deontay Twyman (12) and Jamee Jackson (10) also
finished in double figures for the Bobcats, who grabbed a program
Division I record 60 rebounds.
Last
Time Against Rhode Island
Justin Rutty scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed 15
rebounds and James Feldeine added 28 points, but the Bobcats were
defeated, 83-74, Dec. 8, 2009, at the Ryan Center. New Haven native
Keith Cothran paced URI with 21 points, while Delroy James added 19
points. The Rams shot 56.4 percent (31-55) to the Bobcats' 55.4
percent (31-56).
Follow the Bobcats
Saturday's game can be seen live regionally on NESN-TV.
The voice of the Bobcats, Bill Schweizer, will have the
play-by-play call, while Bill Mecca will provide color commentary
and Jayme Parker will have sideline reports. The game can also be
heard live on AM 1220 WQUN. Bob Mortali will have the play-by-play
call and Bob Tipson will provide color commentary. Live stats will
also be available free of charge via www.quinnipiacbobcats.com.
Movin' On Up
With 881 rebounds, Justin Rutty ranks fifth all-time at QU
and 10th all-time in the Northeast Conference. Rutty passed Al
Carfora '80 (846) for fifth on the QU list with eight rebounds
against Maine on Nov. 29, while moving past Wagner's Nigel Wyatte
(834), LIU's Freddie Burton (836) and Marist's Alan Tomidy (838) on
the NEC list with 10 rebounds Nov. 23 at Dartmouth.
Rutty Moves Up QU Career Scoring List
With 1,292 career points, Rutty now ranks 15th on the
Quinnipiac career scoring list and fourth on the Quinnipiac
Division I scoring list. With 27 points against Lehigh, Dec. 7,
Rutty moved past Robert Vacca '73 (1,265).
Rebounding Dominance
The Bobcats are one of just three teams in the nation
ranked in the top 10 in both rebounding average (45.1, 4th) and
rebounding margin (+12.5, T-4th), joining Pittsburgh and Southern
Mississippi. QU and Pittsburgh are in the top five in both
categories.
New
(Le)High Rebounding Mark
The Bobcats established a new program Division I record
with 60 rebounds, Dec. 7 against Lehigh. The prior record of 58
rebounds came twice in recent years - a double-overtime game
against Hartford, Nov. 11, 2007, and a Jan. 2, 2005 contest against
Division II Longwood.
Block
Party
Six different Bobcats accounted for eight blocks against
Lehigh, Dec. 7. The eight-block performance was only the fourth of
its kind for Quinnipiac at Division I, and the first since the
1999-2000 season. The Braves blocked a program Division I record
nine shots against Yale, Dec. 3, 1999, while registering eight
blocks at Fordham and Long Island, Dec. 21 and Jan. 17,
respectively, in the same season.
A Free Throw
For Every Letter In His Name
Justin Rutty, a career 48.8 percent free-throw shooter
entering the game, went 11-for-11 from the charity stripe, Dec. 7
against Lehigh.
Dom-inating the Boards
Dominique Langston grabbed 14 rebounds against Lehigh,
Dec. 7, the most by a Quinnipiac player so far this season.
Will-ing His Way Into The Line-up
After seeing just 11 minutes in four games to begin the
year, William Harrison made the most of his 13 minutes, Dec. 7
against Lehigh. Harrison scored four points, grabbed nine rebounds
and dished out two assists, including a nifty dime ahead of the
pack to Deontay Twyman to create separation in crunch time.
Bobcats Helping Bobcats
The Bobcats dished out a season-high 20 assists, Dec. 7
against Lehigh. The last time Quinnipiac had at least 20 assists
was March 4, 2010, against Monmouth (21).
Downright Offensive
The Bobcats rank first in the Northeast Conference and
fourth nationally in offensive rebounds per game at 18.38 orpg.
Only Texas State (20.0), Southern Miss (18.7) and South Carolina
(18.0) have averaged more offensive rebounds per game than the
Bobcats. 44.2 percent of the Bobcats' rebounds this season have
come on the offensive boards, fourth-most in the nation.
Individually, Justin Rutty's 4.25 offensive rebounds per game rank
14th in the nation.
We
Can All Share
The Bobcats rank first in the NEC in assists (15.88 apg.)
and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.05), good for 60th and 75th in the
nation, respectively. Individually, Dave Johnson, James Johnson and
Deontay Twyman rank each rank in the Top 15 in the NEC in both
categories.
Second-Half Stifling
The Bobcats' defense has been considerably better in the
second halves of games this season, especially the last five.
Against Dartmouth, Maine, UMass, Mount St. Mary's and Lehigh, the
opposition has shot 45.9 percent (68-148) in the first halves,
before Tom Moore's halftime speeches have inspired the Bobcats to
hold opponents to 35.6 percent in the latter stanza (48-135).
Overall, opponents have shot 44.9 percent (101-225) in the first
halves, while being held to 39.4 percent (86-218) in the second
halves. The Bobcats have also taken much greater care of the ball
in the second halves. Their 1.60 assist-to-turnover ratio in the
second halves is strikingly more favorable than their 0.74
assist-to-turnover ratio in first halves. As such, the Bobcats have
tied the opposition, 275-275, in first halves, while dominating
second halves, 319-281.
Jump
and Run
The Bobcats have begun five of their first seven games on
a run. They scored the first nine points against Yale, before
scoring seven straight against Hartford. QU scored five straight to
open against Vermont, before scoring the first four and 15 of the
first 17 at Dartmouth. The Bobcats also scored six of the first
eight points against Maine, and five straight against Mount St.
Mary's.
Johnson's Elite Company
With the 72nd consecutive start to begin his collegiate
career Dec. 7, James Johnson broke Jared Grasso's '02 Quinnipiac
record for consecutive starts (71) from the outset of his Bobcats'
career at Division I. Johnson became just the eighth freshman in QU
Division I history to start his collegiate debut, and started all
31 of Quinnipiac's games in 2008-09, joining just 19 other freshmen
in the nation to start every game their team played. Each player to
start his first game and complete four years at QU has scored over
1,000 points. Rob Monroe, Bill Romano, Justin Rutty and Grasso
started their first games and rank first, second, fifth and
seventh, on the QU scoring list. The 72-game streak currently ranks
second among all QU D-I starts streaks, behind only Kason Mims' '04
record 88-game consecutive starts streak (2001-04).
Three Streak Extended
With four three-pointers against Lehigh, Dec. 7, the
Bobcats extended their streak of making at least one three-pointer
in each of the last 292 contests. The streak dates back to Dec. 19,
2000, at Dartmouth (0-11).
Rutty Eyes Exclusive 1,000-1,000 Club
Justin Rutty currently stands at 1,292 points and 881
rebounds in his career. With at least 21 more games left in Rutty's
career, his career 8.9 rebounds per game average would leave him at
1,068 boards, while his three-year average of 10.38 boards per game
would put him at 1,099 rebounds. Just two prior Quinnipiac players
have reached both 1,000 points and rebounds.
More
Exclusive Company For Rutty
Justin Rutty connected on his 500th career field goal
against Yale, Nov. 13, becoming one of just three Quinnipiac
players at the Division I level to achieve the feat. With 10 made
field goals, Dec. 1 against UMass, Rutty (547) jumped ahead of Rob
Monroe '05 (523), and now trails only at Bill Romano '02 (599).
Johnson Steals Milestone
With five steals Nov. 20 against Vermont, James Johnson
became the 13th Quinnipiac player all-time and fifth at Division I
to compile 100 career steals. Ironically, the five steals tied
Johnson's career-high, originally set Dec. 21, 2008, against the
same Vermont team on the same Lender Court before a regional
television audience on NESN. Johnson now stands at 112 career
steals, good for 11th all-time at QU.
Super Bo
James Johnson scored eight points in the final 57 seconds
to propel the Bobcats to victory against Mount St. Mary's, Dec. 4.
Trailing by four in the final minute, Johnson nailed two
three-pointers, stripped the Mount's Julian Norfleet with five
seconds left, and made the game-winning runner just prior to the
final buzzer.
Owning the Offensive Boards Against UMass
A year after grabbing a program Division I-record 28
offensive rebounds at UMass, Dec. 2, 2009, the Bobcats tied their
second-greatest total on the offensive glass with 24 against UMass,
Dec. 1, 2010. Quinnipiac also took 24 offensive caroms against
Yale, Nov. 16, 2009. Justin Rutty led the way with seven offensive
boards in the latest installment against UMass.
Dom
Stealin' and Stuffin'
Dominique Langston established an early career high of
four steals, including the theft and breakaway dunk that completed
the Bobcats' comeback from down 19 against UMass, Dec. 1.
Not
Up In Here!
Jamee Jackson had three second-half blocks against Maine,
each leading to Bobcats offensive production. After his first block
just less than two minutes in, James Johnson hit a three on the
ensuing possession. Immediately following his block at the 11:53
mark, Dave Johnson nailed one from long range. Finally, following
his rejection at the 5:08 mark, James Johnson hit a jumper on the
next time down on offense.
Defense Offensive...Then Gets Defensive
After a first half against Maine in which the Bobcats
allowed the Black Bears to shoot 52.2 percent (12-23), the Bobcats
buckled down in the second half, holding Maine to 25.9 percent
(7-27) from the floor.
A
Lot To Like With Ike
Ike Azotam went 7-for-7 from the floor for 15 points to go
along with seven rebounds, Nov. 23, at Dartmouth. The 100 percent
performance was the first of five or more attempts for the Bobcats
since Karl Anderson went 5-for-5 at Monmouth on Feb. 21, 2008. For
his effort, Azotam was named the NEC Co-Rookie of the Week on Nov.
29.
What
Can Brown Do For Q?
Lance Brown was granted a waiver by the NCAA, Nov. 23, to
become immediately eligible for play after transferring from
Fordham this past Spring. Brown scored seven points and added four
rebounds in 13 minutes in his Bobcats debut at Dartmouth.
Langston Huge
Dominique Langston has emerged as a solid contributor off
the bench, averaging 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per
game over two games against Hartford and Vermont.
Bo
Knows Scoring
James Johnson scored a game-high 23 points Nov. 16 against
Hartford. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three
assists.
Sweet 16's
Deontay Twyman tied his career-high with 16 points against
Yale at the Connecticut 6 Classic, Nov. 13. James Johnson matched
Twyman's 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting and 4-for-4 from the
line.
Gabriel's Impressive QU Debut
Mike Gabriel was impressive in his Quinnipiac debut
against Yale, Nov. 13, scoring 10 points in just 13 minutes off the
bench. He was very efficient, making 3-of-4 field-goal attempts and
4-of-6 free throw attempts.
Dom
From Trey
Dominique Langston made both of his three-point attempts
in his collegiate debut against Yale, Nov. 13, to account for his
six points.
Moore of the Same
Head Coach Tom Moore has won the season opener in each of
his four years at QU, the first three coming against Hartford,
while the most recent came this season against Yale. Prior to
Moore's arrival to Hamden, no Quinnipiac team had won its first
game of the season during the school's Division I era. Teams that
have had Moore serving on the coaching staff have won 11
consecutive season openers. The last time one of Moore's teams
didn't win its first game was Nov. 11, 1999, when defending
National Champion and top-ranked UConn was upset by Iowa in the
Coaches vs. Cancer IKON Classic. None of Quinnipiac's other five
coaches all-time won their first three season openers, and only
Burt Kahn won as many as four straight at any point. Kahn won six
straight from 1967-68 through 1972-73.
Bonding Overseas
The Bobcats took a 10-day trip to The Netherlands, Belgium
and France this past August. In four games, Quinnipiac went
3-1.
Everybody's Favorite
The Northeast Conference's coaches selected the Bobcats as
the league's first unanimous favorite since 1997-98 (Long Island).
In addition, The Sporting News, Athlon, Lindy's and the Blue Ribbon
College Basketball Report also picked the Bobcats as the NEC
favorite.
QU
Picked Second In CT6 Poll
Quinnipiac was picked second in the Preseason Connecticut
6 Coaches' Poll. Fairfield claimed the top spot, while Central
Connecticut immediately followed the Bobcats in third. Sacred
Heart, Yale and Hartford rounded out the poll.
Eight Is Enough
Quinnipiac returns eight players from the 2009-10 squad,
and also welcomes eight new players in 2010-11. Five of the eight
new players are currently available for play (Azotam, Brown,
Gabriel, Harrison, Langston), while Tevin Baskin is slated to be
eligible beginning second semester (Dec. 22 at Niagara). Austin
Alecxih and Garvey Young must sit the year out due to NCAA transfer
rules.
Moore Wins
With 23 wins in 2009-10, including 15 NEC victories, the
Bobcats set a new program record. The marks edge the 1999-2000 QU
team (18-10, 12-6 NEC) for the most wins at D-I, and passed the
1972-73 and 1979-80 teams for the all-time program record.
Eighty Up
The Bobcats were 11-0 when scoring at least 80 points last
season.
Bobcats Experience Historic 2009-10 Season
The Quinnipiac University men's basketball team
experienced a historic season of firsts in 2009-10. Jim Phelan NEC
Coach of the Year Tom Moore led the Bobcats to a program-record 23
wins, the first Northeast Conference Regular Season Championship in
team history, and a berth into the National Invitation Tournament,
the first national postseason tournament appearance in program
Division I history. Junior forward Justin Rutty was named the NEC
Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history
earn the award. Both Rutty and senior wing James Feldeine were
named to the All-NEC First Team Moore's recognition as Coach of the
Year was also a first in program history.
C-T
State of Mind
Quinnipiac was 18-1 in games played in Connecticut,
including a 14-1 mark at home in 2009-10. In starting 14-0 at home,
the Bobcats established the best start at home in program
history.
Keeping Good Company
Quinnipiac was one of just four teams in the NCAA ranked
in the top 10 nationally in both rebound margin and rebounds per
game in 2009-10. The Bobcats ranked second in rebound margin and
10th in rebounds per game. Quinnipiac joined nationally-ranked
Kentucky (4th - rebound margin, 5th - rebounds per game) and Kansas
(9th - rebound margin, 7th - rebounds per game), as well as Radford
(7th - rebound margin, 1st - rebounds per game) in the exclusive
club. Quinnipiac also ranked 14th in offensive rebounds
(14.61).
Twelve In Fourteen
Justin Rutty compiled his Quinnipiac Division I record
24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th career double-doubles
in seven consecutive games, Feb. 18-Mar. 10, 2010, and had 12
double-doubles in his last 15 games of the season. Rutty began the
streak with five straight double-doubles, Jan. 24-Feb. 6. After a
two-game stretch when he missed a double-double by two rebounds
against St. Francis (N.Y.) and two points against LIU, Rutty reeled
off seven more consecutive double-doubles.
If
It's Free, It's For Me
The Bobcats enjoyed marked improvement from the free-throw
line in the latter portion of the 2009-10 season. After seeing its
season free-throw percentage dip to 65.1 percent through 15 games,
QU shot 76.7 percent (358-467) over the last 18 games to raise its
free-throw percentage to 72.1 percent.
Rutty Grabs Quinnipiac DI Rebound Record
With 11 rebounds against Wagner on Jan. 9, Justin Rutty
took over the Quinnipiac Division I Rebound lead from Bill Romano
'02 (580).
Rutty's Keeping Good Company
At 15.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, Justin Rutty
was one of just 20 players nationally to average a double-double in
2009-10.
Rutty Finds Free-Throw Stroke
Justin Rutty, a career 50.0 percent free-throw shooter,
shot 79.4 percent (54-68) from the charity stripe in the last 14
games of the 2009-10 season. Included in the mark were two separate
strings of at least 11 consecutive successful attempts. Rutty went
6-for-6 at Sacred Heart, the first 100 percent game of more than
three attempts in his career. He followed with a 4-for-4 effort
against SHU, and an 8-for-8 performance at Saint Francis (Pa.).
Bobcats, Rutty On NCAA Rebound Charts
Led by Justin Rutty's 10.9 rebounds per game (8th-NCAA),
the Bobcats ranked 10th in the nation in rebounds per game (40.4
rpg.).
If
At First You Don't Succeed...
41.2 percent of the Bobcats' rebounds in 2009-10 came on
the offensive end, fourth-most in the NCAA.
On
the Rebound
Quinnipiac was outrebounded just three times in 2009-10,
and owned a +8.5 rebounding margin, second-best in the
nation.
Quinnipiac, Rutty Grab Top Rankings
The Bobcats ranked 14th in the nation in offensive
rebounds per game (14.6) in 2009-10. Individually, Justin Rutty
ranked second nationally at 4.9 offensive boards per game, a year
after finishing second in the nation behind only Pittsburgh's
DeJuan Blair (5.6 oreb/game) with 4.6 offensive caroms per
game.
Sitting on Top of the NEC
Quinnipiac ranked in the top three in the NEC in 12 of 19
statistical categories in 2009-10. The Bobcats were first in
scoring offense (73.2), scoring margin (+6.7), field-goal
percentage (.448), assist-to-turnover ratio (0.98), rebounding
offense (40.4), rebounding defense (31.9), rebound margin (+8.5),
offensive rebounding (14.61) and defensive rebounding (25.79). QU
ranked second in assists (13.42) and free-throw percentage (.721)
and third in field-goal percentage defense (.415).
On
Deck
The Bobcats return to action Dec. 22 following a 10-day
off period for final exams, when they travel to Niagara University,
N.Y., to take on Niagara. Opening tip from the John J. "Taps"
Gallagher Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.
