Pikiell gets first win at Rutgers, 86-57 over D-II Molloy

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) Steve Pikiell was happier for his team than for himself after getting his first win as Rutgers coach.

''These guys have worked hard,'' said Pikiell after Mike Williams scored 17 points in Rutgers 86-57 season-opening win over Division II Molloy Friday night. ''They played defense and it was a total team (effort). Everyone who came in the game helped us.''

Pikiell took over for Eddie Jordan after 11 seasons at Stony Brook, where he guided the Seawolves to the NCAA Tournament last season. It was the largest margin of victory for a head coach in their Rutgers debut, and the Knights' largest margin of victory in an opener since defeating Bentley, 100-60, in 1975.

Deshawn Freeman got his first career double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds with three blocked shots for the Scarlet Knights (1-0).

''It's been a while,'' said Freeman, who red-shirted after seven games last year. ''To be back playing is really exciting. Especially to get a win. It felt good.''

Transfers Nigel Johnson (Kansas State) and CJ Gettys (UNC-Wilmington) added 11 points and six rebounds in their Rutgers debuts.

Charlie Marquardt, the coach's son, had 19 points for Molloy (0-1), while Jaylen Morris added 13.

Rutgers took a 9-0 lead that it never relinquished. Molloy got within five early in the second half and trailed 52-46 before the Scarlet Knights scored 18 straight to break it open.

''I think when we got it to five we ran out of gas,'' Molloy coach Charles Marquardt said. ''But with 12 minutes left it's five, what more can I ask for?''

BIG PICTURE

Molloy: Despite the loss, playing tough against a Big Ten opponent was a positive experience for a young team that includes five freshmen and just two holdover seniors.

Rutgers: The return of Freeman is a huge boost to the Knights' frontcourt. After transferring from junior college, Freeman injured his knee - and was granted a medical redshirt - while averaging 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds last season.

BENCH BOOST

Williams came off the bench and hit 5-of-8 3-pointers, as Rutgers reserves scored exactly half of the Knights points. ''I have to give credit to my teammates,'' Williams said. ''They believe in me and know what I'm capable of. They gave it to me in my sweet spot and I was able to knock them down.

LONG ISLAND SUPPORT

Like Stony Brook, Molloy is located on Long Island. Although the schools never met when Pikiell coached the Seawolves, Marquardt feels he can turn Rutgers around. ''I think he's going to be great,'' he said. ''He's got skills, he's got guys that can knock down shots and tremendous size.''

GOAL MET

Pikiell said one of his team's goals is to hold teams under 40 percent shooting, which Rutgers did in limiting Molloy to 38 percent.

UP NEXT

Molloy: The Lions will see how well conditioned they are as they play the College of St. Rose on Saturday and face LeMoyne Sunday in the College of Saint Rose Tipoff Classic.

Rutgers: After a day off, Rutgers hosts Drexel Sunday afternoon as Pikiell attempts to become the first coach to start 2-0 in his first season at Rutgers since Bob Wenzel in 1988.