Johnson’s first double-double leads Rutgers past Maine

PISCATAWAY >> As the year is coming to a close and conference play restarting, Myles Johnson is beginning to round into form. The freshman had a career-high in points and rebounds with 10 each for his first career double-double to lead Rutgers past Maine 70-55 on Saturday.

“Playing in the games, it was definitely a learning experience because I redshirted last year,” Johnson said. “So it’s definitely been a stepping stone, and I think now I’m just trying to get it.”

Maine (2-12) led most of the first half, including by double-digits. Rutgers (7-5) took its first lead since 2-0 thanks to a Caleb McConnell 3-pointer to make it 2827 with 1:15 before the break. Rutgers would go into halftime leading 30-27, and lead by as much as 18 in the second half.

“Especially now that it’s the break, campus is dead, so it’s just us so we have to bring our own energy, start the game a little bit better,” Johnson said. “By the time the second half came, we had energy and picked it up and played hard.”

Geo Baker had nine points and nine assists while Eugene Omoruyi added 17 points for Rutgers. McConnell made three 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 14 points.

Isaiah White and Andrew Fleming had 11 points each to lead Maine. they are 0-2 after opening up against two of the top teams in the conference in No. 8 Michigan State and No. 15 Wisconsin.