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NCAAB · Final

Central Connecticut Defeats Rutgers in Key Matchup

Friday, November 21, 2025, 6:30 PM ET · Jersey Mike’s Arena

Central Connecticut Blue Devils 67, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 54, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights?

Central Connecticut Blue Devils beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 67-54 at Jersey Mike’s Arena on November 21, 2025.

In a notable matchup, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a final score of 67-54 at Jersey Mike’s Arena. This victory is significant for Central Connecticut as it improves their away record to 3-2, while Rutgers falls to 4-2 overall. Central Connecticut's performance was marked by a strong second half, where they outscored Rutgers and maintained control of the game.

Central Connecticut entered the game with a recent record of 3-2, having lost their last game against the Massachusetts Minutemen. They had previously shown resilience with wins against Boston College, Vermont State Johnson, and others, averaging 71.4 points scored and allowing 61.8 points in their last 10 games. Their away record stood at 2-2 before this game, indicating a balanced performance on the road.

On the other hand, Rutgers had a strong start to the season with a 4-1 record. They were riding a four-game winning streak leading into this matchup, having scored an average of 81.8 points while allowing 77.4 points over their last 10 games. Their home record was impressive at 6-1, showcasing their ability to perform well in front of their fans.

The game began with both teams showing competitive spirit, but Central Connecticut took control in the second half. Key scoring plays included a three-point jumper by Denis Badalau, which extended their lead to 61-50, followed by a layup from Darin Smith Jr. that brought the score to 63-50. Rutgers attempted to close the gap with free throws from Tariq Francis and Jay Rodgers, but Central Connecticut's Max Frazier capped off the scoring with a dunk, solidifying their lead at 67-52.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had their share of challenges this season. The absence of key players can often impact team dynamics and performance, making it a critical aspect to monitor in future games.

The market had priced this matchup with Rutgers as the favorite, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. However, Central Connecticut's victory defied those expectations, demonstrating their potential to compete against stronger opponents. The odds from the provider were not specified, but the outcome suggests a shift in perception regarding both teams' capabilities.

Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but typical factors such as crowd support and arena atmosphere likely played a role, especially in a home setting for Rutgers.

Viewers should have noted the defensive strategies employed by Central Connecticut, which effectively limited Rutgers' scoring opportunities. The Blue Devils' ability to capitalize on turnovers and transition plays was also a key factor in their victory. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game, with Rutgers aiming to bounce back from this loss and Central Connecticut seeking to maintain their momentum.

Leaders

  • PointsTariq Francis19Rutgers Scarlet Knights
  • AssistsTariq Francis3Rutgers Scarlet Knights
  • ReboundsEmmanuel Ogbole10Rutgers Scarlet Knights
  • PointsDarin Smith Jr.21Central Connecticut Blue Devils
  • AssistsJay Rodgers9Central Connecticut Blue Devils
  • ReboundsMax Frazier13Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Recent form

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Last 10: 7-3Streak W481.8 scored · 77.4 allowed per game6-1 at home

  • W80-71vs American University EaglesNov 18
  • W84-72vs Lehigh Mountain HawksNov 14
  • W72-60vs Maine Black BearsNov 10
  • W81-53vs Rider BroncsNov 5
  • L89-97vs USC TrojansMar 13
  • W75-67vs Minnesota Golden GophersMar 9
  • L71-100at Purdue BoilermakersMar 5
  • L82-84at Michigan WolverinesFeb 28
  • W95-85vs USC TrojansFeb 23
  • W89-85at Washington HuskiesFeb 20

Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Last 10: 7-3Streak L171.4 scored · 61.8 allowed per game2-2 away

  • L77-84at Massachusetts MinutemenNov 16
  • W60-59at Boston College EaglesNov 12
  • L49-71at Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 7
  • W117-55vs Vermont State Johnson BadgersNov 4
  • L43-46vs Saint Francis Red WolvesMar 11
  • W76-72vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsMar 8
  • W86-67vs Le Moyne DolphinsMar 6
  • W55-48at Wagner SeahawksMar 1
  • W84-75vs Le Moyne DolphinsFeb 28
  • W67-41vs Stonehill SkyhawksFeb 22

Standings

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
Long Island University24-11-15-3
Central Connecticut18-12312-6
Mercyhurst17-17510-8
Le Moyne15-17510-8
New Haven14-1769-9
Wagner14-1778-10
Stonehill12-2178-10
Fairleigh Dickinson11-2178-10
Saint Francis7-24105-13
Chicago State7-25105-13
Michigan37-3-19-1
Nebraska28-7415-5
Michigan State27-8415-5
Illinois28-9415-5
Wisconsin24-11514-6
Purdue30-9613-7
UCLA24-12613-7
Ohio State21-13712-8
Iowa24-13910-10
Indiana18-14109-11
Minnesota15-18118-12
USC18-14127-13
Washington16-17127-13
Rutgers14-20136-14
Northwestern15-19145-15
Oregon12-20145-15
Maryland12-21154-16
Penn State12-20163-17

Box score

StatCentral Connecticut Blue DevilsRutgers Scarlet Knights
Field goals24-6121-58
Field goal %3936
Three-pointers9-215-19
Three-point %4326
Free throws10-147-10
Free throw %7170
Rebounds4137
Offensive rebounds1310
Defensive rebounds2827
Assists1510
Steals64
Blocks53
Turnovers710
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers126
Fast-break points132
Points in the paint2624
Fouls1313
Largest lead154

How the scoring went

  1. 1st Half28-25Jay Rodgers made Jumper.
  2. 1st Half28-26Dylan Grant made Free Throw.
  3. 1st Half30-26Nico Ashley made Layup. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  4. 1st Half30-28Bryce Dortch made Dunk. Assisted by Tariq Francis.
  5. 1st Half31-28Ja'Kobe Williams made Free Throw.
  6. 1st Half32-28Ja'Kobe Williams made Free Throw.
  7. 2nd Half34-28Max Frazier made Dunk. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  8. 2nd Half37-28James Jones made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  9. 2nd Half37-30Tariq Francis made Jumper.
  10. 2nd Half37-31Tariq Francis made Free Throw.
  11. 2nd Half39-31Darin Smith Jr. made Jumper.
  12. 2nd Half42-31Melo Sanchez made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by James Jones.
  13. 2nd Half42-34Denis Badalau made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tariq Francis.
  14. 2nd Half43-34Darin Smith Jr. made Free Throw.
  15. 2nd Half44-34Darin Smith Jr. made Free Throw.
  16. 2nd Half44-36Bryce Dortch made Layup. Assisted by Chris Nwuli.
  17. 2nd Half44-38Denis Badalau made Layup.
  18. 2nd Half45-38James Jones made Free Throw.
  19. 2nd Half45-39Denis Badalau made Free Throw.
  20. 2nd Half45-40Denis Badalau made Free Throw.
  21. 2nd Half45-41Denis Badalau made Free Throw.
  22. 2nd Half48-41Darin Smith Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  23. 2nd Half48-43Lino Mark made Layup.
  24. 2nd Half48-45Emmanuel Ogbole made Two Point Tip Shot.
  25. 2nd Half50-45Max Frazier made Layup.
  26. 2nd Half50-47Emmanuel Ogbole made Layup. Assisted by Denis Badalau.
  27. 2nd Half53-47Jay Rodgers made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Darin Smith Jr..
  28. 2nd Half55-47Jay Rodgers made Jumper.
  29. 2nd Half57-47Ja'Kobe Williams made Jumper.
  30. 2nd Half58-47Darin Smith Jr. made Free Throw.
  31. 2nd Half59-47Darin Smith Jr. made Free Throw.
  32. 2nd Half61-47Max Frazier made Layup. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  33. 2nd Half61-50Denis Badalau made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jamichael Davis.
  34. 2nd Half63-50Darin Smith Jr. made Layup.
  35. 2nd Half63-51Tariq Francis made Free Throw.
  36. 2nd Half63-52Tariq Francis made Free Throw.
  37. 2nd Half64-52Jay Rodgers made Free Throw.
  38. 2nd Half65-52Jay Rodgers made Free Throw.
  39. 2nd Half67-52Max Frazier made Dunk. Assisted by Jay Rodgers.
  40. 2nd Half67-54Lino Mark made Layup.

Win probability

Above the line favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights, below favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils.

Venue

  • Jersey Mike’s ArenaPiscataway, NJ
  • Attendance8000
  • OfficialsChad Barlow, Anthony Burris, Alex Landis

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.