Rutgers wins fifth straight, pushes past Fordham at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK (AP) Mike Williams scored 19 points to lead Rutgers to its fifth straight victory, 68-53 over Fordham on Sunday in the Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden.

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Deshawn Freeman added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Scarlet Knights (11-1), who continue their best start in 40 years under first-year coach Steve Pikiell.

Williams finished 7 for 12 from the field as Rutgers shot 49.1 percent overall (28 for 57), including 4 for 9 from 3-point range, well above the 29 percent it was shooting from there entering the game.

Led by Freeman, the Scarlet Knights dominated the rebounding, 51-22.

Joseph Chartouny had 17 points for the Rams (5-7), who lost their sixth straight.