Rutgers men’s basketball holds off Boston University

PISCATAWAY >> Eugene Omoruyi scored 20 points, including 13 in the second half, and grabbed 17 rebounds, leading Rutgers to a 54-44 victory over a stubborn Boston University team Friday afternoon at the Rutgers Athletic Center.

Geo Baker added 19 points for the Scarlet Knights (4-1), 15 of which came during a first half where Rutgers gained a 2919 lead.

The victory was the fourth in five games for the Scarlet Knights, who once again displayed a tenacious defensive approach. Rutgers defeated Eastern Michigan on Monday, 63-36.

Rutgers led by as many as 12 points early on, but the Terriers (3-4) crawled back in the second half, holding Rutgers to only 20-percent shooting. Boston University cut the lead to one at 43-42 with 4:12 remaining but could only manage two points the remainder of the game.

Tyler Scanlon had 11 points to lead the Terriers, the lone player to reach double figures for BU. VILLANOVA 77, OKLAHOMA STATE 58 LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. >> Eric Paschall had 22 points and Phil Booth added 20 as Villanova advanced to the title game of AdvoCare Invitational by beating Oklahoma State.

The Wildcats, who made a tournament record 16 3-pointers, will play on Sunday against the winner of No. 14 Florida State’s game against No. 19 LSU.

Villanova (4-2) stopped a two-game skid by beating Canisius 82-56 in Thursday’s first round.

Mike Cunningham scored 15 points for Oklahoma State (3-2). past the Tigers (1-5) in the Cancun Challenge.

Gabrielle Rush had 15 points and Carli Littlefield 10 for Princeton, which has dropped five straight, the last two against teams ranked in the top-25.

The Tigers finish the Cancun Challenge against Kansas State on Saturday morning.

GONZAGA 57, RUTGERS 40 VANCOUVER >>

TV/ Radio: NEC Front Row/ 107.7 FM The Bronc

Last Time Out: Rider def. Coppin State, 87-67; Wagner lost to NJIT, 71-60

Series History: Rider leads, 19-5

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