Geo Baker, Issa Thiam lead Rutgers past Cleveland State, 70-38

(AP) Geo Baker had 14 points and seven assists and Issa Thiam scored 14 points, was 4-of-8 from behind the three-point line and knocked down treys on three-straight possessions to lead Rutgers past Cleveland State, 70-38 on Tuesday night.

Rutgers took a nine-point lead into halftime before jumping out to a 20-point lead early in the second half after back-to-back 3s by Thiam to make it 43-23 with 14:41 left. Thiam went on to hit another three on the third straight possession to make it 46-26

From there, Rutgers cruised.

Cleveland State was led by Stefan Kenic with 12 points, while Kenny Carpenter added 11.

Corey Sanders had a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Scarlet Knights.

BIG PICTURE

Cleveland State: The game was the first of two games against Big Ten opponents. The Vikings close out non-conference play at No. 2 Michigan State on Dec. 29.

Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights will get a few days off after starting the season with three games in five days. Their next game is Sunday.

UP NEXT

Cleveland State has its home opener against Coppin State on Friday.

Rutgers hosts Coppin State on Sunday.