Men's Basketball Plays Host To Monmouth Thursday

QU Plays Host to Monmouth Thursday
The Quinnipiac University men's basketball team plays host to Monmouth Thursday at the TD Bank Sports Center. Quinnipiac has won its last four games, including a 68-67 road victory at intrastate rival Central Connecticut Saturday. Dave Johnson had a career-high 17 points, while James Johnson added 15 points, 13 in the second half. Monmouth has been highly competitive in its last nine games, winning four. In its five losses, the Hawks have lost by a combined 13 points. including three defeats by two or fewer points. Last time out, the Hawks were edged at home by Robert Morris, 62-60. Mike Myers Keitt led the Hawks with 14 points, while Jesse Steele added 12 points. Ed Waite narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds. Monmouth holds a 13-12 edge in the all-time series, but Quinnipiac has won seven of the last nine.

Rebounding Dominance
The Bobcats are second in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (15.9) and fourth in rebounds per game (41.7). They also rank 11th nationally in rebound margin (+7.6). QU is one of only three teams in the nation ranked in the top 15 in all three categories, joining nationally-ranked No. 4 Pittsburgh and Old Dominion.

Scouting the Monmouth Hawks

The Hawks are led by Mike Myers Keitt, who's averaged 9.7 points per game. Jesse Steele has also added 9.4 points per game, while Ed Waite averages 9.1 points and a team-high 6.0 rebounds per game. Senior point guard James Hett has dished out a team-best 3.9 assists per game (6th-NEC), good for a 2.32 assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd-NEC). The Hawks' match-up zone defense has limited opponents to an NEC-best 41.4 percent shooting from the floor and 65.1 points per game (2nd-NEC).

Last Time Out Against Central Connecticut
Dave Johnson scored a career-high 17 points and James Johnson added 15 points as the Bobcats held off Central Connecticut, 68-67, Saturday afternoon at Detrick Gym. The Bobcats withstood a career-high 35 points from Ken Horton by holding the Blue Devils to 35.4 percent (17-48) from the floor.

Last Time Against Monmouth
Playing their first game without Justin Rutty due to injury, the Bobcats defeated Monmouth, 72-70, Jan. 6 in West Long Branch. Jamee Jackson scored a career-high 20 points, while Dominique Langston added 14 points and James Johnson (13), Ike Azotam (10) and Deontay Twyman (10) also finished in double figures. Mike Myers Keitt led the Hawks with 21 points, while Ed Waite had 18.

Follow the Bobcats
Thursday's game can be heard live on AM 1220 WQUN. Bill Schweizer will have the play-by-play call, while Bill Mecca and Bob Tipson will provide color commentary. Live video will also be available on www.quinnipiacbobcats.com at a cost of $9.99. Live stats will also be provided free of charge on the official Quinnipiac athletics website.

Rutty Sets New Quinnipiac Division I Field Goals Record
Justin Rutty connected on his 600th career field goal at Sacred Heart, Feb. 14, becoming the Quinnipiac Division I record holder in career field goals made. Rutty (613) jumped ahead of Bill Romano '02 (599).

What's Your Scenario?
Quinnipiac has clinched at least the No. 4 seed and an NEC Tournament Quarterfinal home game. Two wins against Monmouth and FDU would clinch the No. 2 seed and a home semifinal game, should the Bobcats advance so far. Long Island has clinched the No. 1 seed and home court advantage as long as it continues to win. Below is a listing of all possible scenarios:

QU Is No. 2 Seed If - QU wins out - or - both QU and CCSU each split the two remaining games this weekend.

QU is No. 3 Seed If - QU splits the two games and CCSU wins both remaining games this weekend at St. Francis (N.Y.) and LIU - or - QU loses both games, CCSU wins at least once, and RMU and Wagner both split.

QU is No. 4 Seed If- QU loses both games, CCSU wins at least one and either Robert Morris or Wagner wins both games.

Iron Bo
With a start against Sacred Heart, Feb. 14, James Johnson eclipsed Kason Mims' QU Division-I record 88-game consecutive starts streak. Johnson has started each of Quinnipiac's 91 games to begin his career. His 72nd consecutive start broke Jared Grasso's '02 program record for consecutive starts (71) from the outset of his Bobcats' career at Division I. Johnson became just the eighth freshman in QU Division I history to start his collegiate debut, and started all 31 of Quinnipiac's games in 2008-09, joining just 19 other freshmen in the nation to start every game their team played.

Doing More With Less
QU is second in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (15.89) and is fourth in rebounds per game (41.7) despite having the 13th-least height in the nation. According to kenpom.com, the Bobcats are 333rd of 345 teams in the nation in average height (75.0 inches).

Dave Dials Up Career Day
Dave Johnson scored a career-high 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the floor and 6-for-8 shooting from the free-throw line in the Bobcats' 68-67 victory at Central Connecticut, Feb. 19.

Bobcats Helping Bobcats
The Bobcats lead the NEC at 14.96 assists per game, good for 52nd in the nation. Their 1.18 assist-to-turnover ratio is 51st in the nation.

Second Half Trifecta Tossing
Led by James Johnson's 12-for-17 showing, the Bobcats have shot 54.5 percent (18-33) from long distance in the second half of the last three games at Sacred Heart, Bryant and Central Connecticut. Johnson made 4-of-6 in the second half at SHU, before making 5-of-6 at Bryant and 3-of-5 at CCSU.

What Can Brown Do For Q?
Lance Brown has emerged as a versatile contributor for the Bobcats in the last six games, averaging 9.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He had highs of 13 points and 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass, against Sacred Heart on Feb. 9.

Rutty, Jr.?
Ike Azotam's rebounding numbers to date are comparable to those of Justin Rutty as a freshman. Rutty averaged 5.3 rebounds per game through 27 games in the 2007-08 season, while Azotam currently stands at 5.5 boards per game. Rutty averaged 2.36 offensive rebounds per game, while Azotam averages 2.35.

Johnson & Johnson No Turnover Solution
James Johnson (2.33) and Dave Johnson (2.31) rank second and fourth in the NEC in assist-to-turnover ratio. James ranks 35th in the nation, while Dave is 40th. James ranks ninth in the NEC at 3.63 assists per game, while Dave is 16th at 3.07. Deontay Twyman is also 14th in the NEC in assists (3.44 apg.) and 236th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.50).

Starting Off Strong
At 19-8, the Bobcats are off to the best 27-game start to a season in program Division I history. The 2009-10 squad also went 19-8 through 27 games.

Rutty Eyes Exclusive 1,000-1,000 Club
Justin Rutty stands at 1,446 points and 972 rebounds in his career. Just two QU players, Harold Driver '78 (1,813 points, 1,147 rebounds) and Ed Skwara '69 (1,159 points, 1,082 rebounds), have reached both 1,000 points and rebounds.

Bo Knows The 1,000 Mark
James Johnson became the 35th player in Quinnipiac history and the ninth at Division I to reach the 1,000-point plateau, Jan. 22, at Mount St. Mary's. He then leapfrogged Robert Lynch '76 (1,136) for 24th place with 15 points at Central Connecticut, Feb. 19. He now stands eight points behind Ed Skwara '69 and Art Leary '70 (1,159) for 22nd place.

Another Impressive QU Rebounding Stat
The Bobcats have grabbed at least 50 rebounds in five games this season, including a program Division I record 60 against Lehigh on Dec. 7. Most recently, the Bobcats grabbed 50 boards at St. Francis (N.Y.), Feb. 3. Quinnipiac had three 50-rebound games in all of 2009-10, and never had three 50-rebound games in 11 prior years at Division I. Quinnipiac has corralled 50 rebounds in a game 10 times in Tom Moore's four years at QU. In nine prior years at Division I, QU had just five 50-rebound games, with only two coming against teams classified at Division I at the time of competition.

Shoot Better And Win
The Bobcats are 14-0 this season when outshooting their opponent. By contrast, they're 5-8 when being outshot.

Bo Knows (Insert Statistical Category Here)
James Johnson's name is listed among the statistical leaders in the NEC in eight of 13 categories kept by the league. He's first in three-point field goals made per game (2.67) and ranks second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.34). He's fourth in scoring (16.7), tied for fifth in steals per game (1.59), eighth in free-throw percentage (.822) and minutes per game (33.41), ninth in assists (3.63) and 11th in three-point field-goal percentage (.381).

Rutty Moves Up QU Career Scoring List
With 1,446 career points, Rutty now ranks 13th on the Quinnipiac career scoring list and third on the Quinnipiac Division I scoring list. With 26 points at Boston University, Dec. 29, Rutty moved past former teammate James Feldeine '10 (1,320), as well as Kason Mims '04 (1,335), on both the all-time and Division I lists.

Lookin' Up At QU
The Bobcats are in the top five in 14 of 19 statistical categories kept by the NEC, including the top spot in four. They're first in rebounding margin (+7.6), assists (14.96), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.18) and offensive rebounds (15.89). QU ranks second in scoring offense (72.3), rebounding offense (41.7), rebounding defense (34.1), and defensive rebounds (25.81). They rank third in scoring margin (+4.1) and three-point field-goal-percentage defense (.323), and fourth in three-point field-goal percentage (.347) and turnover margin (+1.30). QU ranks fifth in field-goal percentage (.427) and field-goal percentage defense (.422).

Three Streak Extended
With five three-pointers against Central Connecticut, QU extended its streak of making at least one three-pointer in each of the last 311 contests. The last time QU didn't knock down a three was Dec. 19, 2000, at Dartmouth (0-11).

Movin' On Up
With 972 rebounds, Justin Rutty ranks fourth all-time at QU and fourth all-time in the NEC. Rutty passed Ed Skwara '69 (933) for fourth on the QU list with eight rebounds at St. Francis (N.Y.), while moving past CCSU's Corsley Edwards (966) and Saint Francis (Pa.)'s Eric Taylor (967) with 10 rebounds at Bryant. CCSU's Obie Nwadike (980) is next on Rutty's climb up the NEC list, while George McDowell '72 (991) is next on the QU list.

Johnson Dishes Out Number 300
James Johnson dished out his 300th career assist, Dec. 22 at Niagara. He now stands at 357 career assists, good for fourth on the Quinnipiac Division I list.

No. 3 Likes The 3, 7 Times, Times 3
James Johnson connected on 7-of-11 three-point field goals at Bryant, his third seven-trifecta outing of the season. Johnson made 7-of-11 at Niagara on Dec. 22 and 7-of-13 against Robert Morris on Jan. 27.

Rutty Reconnects With Double-Double
Justin Rutty completed his first double-double since returning from injury on Jan. 27 with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Feb. 17 at Bryant. Rutty now has eight double-doubles on the year and a QU Division I record 38 for his career.

Willis Rutty
Despite not taking part in a single team practice in three weeks, Justin Rutty managed six points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench in his return to the line-up following elbow surgery, Jan. 27, against Robert Morris.

Ho Hum, Bo's Clutch Again
James Johnson knocked down four second-half three-pointers, including two in the final minutes to give Quinnipiac the lead for good, as the Bobcats defeated Sacred Heart, Feb. 14, in Fairfield.

Bobcats Steal A Win At Sacred Heart
Quinnipiac tied a season-high with 10 steals while forcing a season-high 24 turnovers, Feb. 14 at Sacred Heart. Dave Johnson led the way with three steals, while Deontay Twyman, James Johnson and Lance Brown had two steals apiece.

I'll Take All Three of These
The Bobcats responded to an 0-for-8 performance from long range in the first half at Sacred Heart with a 7-for-12 showing in the second half. None was bigger than James Johnson's with 1:47 left to break a 48-48 tie and put the Bobcats on top for good.

That Clinched It
The Bobcats clinched a berth in this year's NEC Tournament with their Feb. 14 win at SHU.

If At First You Don't Succeed...
The Bobcats turned 19 offensive rebounds into 23 second-chance points against Sacred Heart, Feb. 9. Quinnipiac outrebounded the Pioneers, 44-25, including a 19-6 edge on the offensive glass.

Double-Double Double
Ike Azotam and Lance Brown each compiled double-doubles, Feb. 9 against Sacred Heart. Azotam had a career-high 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Brown had 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. The double-double was Azotam's second of the season, while Brown compiled the first of his career.

Johnson Steals Milestone
With five steals Nov. 20 against UVM, James Johnson became the 13th QU player all-time and fifth at Division I to compile 100 career steals. Ironically, the five steals tied Johnson's career high, originally set Dec. 21, 2008, against the same UVM team on the same Lender Court before a regional television audience on NESN. Johnson now stands at 135 career steals, passing former teammate James Feldeine '10 (124) for ninth all-time and third at Division I at QU.

Fifty Fifty
Quinnipiac shot 51.9 percent (28-54) at St. Francis (N.Y.), Feb. 3, and also grabbed 50 rebounds. The Bobcats also shot 50 percent, Jan. 29 against Saint Francis (Pa.), giving them back-to-back 50-percent games for the first time this season. Quinnipiac has eclipsed the 50-percent mark three times this season.

.333 Three Times
The Bobcats held St. Francis (N.Y.) to 33.3 percent (21-63) shooting, Feb. 3. The defensive effort was the third of its kind this season, as Quinnipiac also held Bryant (17-51) and Niagara (21-63) to the same percentage.

First-Round Knockout
Quinnipiac started its Jan. 29 victory against Saint Francis (Pa.) on a 22-0 run. Seven different Bobcats scored a point and QU had three blocks and three steals in the opening burst.

Getting Defensive
The Bobcats grabbed a season-high 38 defensive rebounds, Feb. 3 at St. Francis (N.Y.). Lance Brown had nine of his career-high 12 rebounds on the defensive glass, while all nine of James Johnson's career-high nine boards were defensive. Quinnipiac's previous season-high was 37, established in a 60-rebound effort against Lehigh, Dec. 7.

So Glad To See The Boys Getting Along
The Bobcats tied a season-high with 21 assists and 10 different Quinnipiac players scored a point in a game for the first time this season, Jan. 29 against Saint Francis (Pa.).

Dave Dishes Out 10 Dimes
Dave Johnson handed out a career-high 10 assists in the Bobcats' 75-55 victory against Saint Francis (Pa.), Jan. 29. In two games since being inserted into the starting line-up, Johnson has averaged 8.0 assists per game and has an 8.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Shadowing Shannon
James Johnson held Saint Francis (Pa.) guard Umar Shannon, the NEC's fourth-leading scorer entering the game, to just three points on 1-for-5 shooting and four turnovers without an assist, Jan. 29. Shannon was coming off a 30-point outburst, Jan. 27 at Sacred Heart.

'Cats Scratch Out 10 Steals
The Bobcats had a season-high 10 steals in forcing 21 Saint Francis (Pa.) turnovers, Jan. 29. Deontay Twyman and Dave Johnson had three steals each, while Tevin Baskin added two.

Johnson Takes NEC Player of the Week
James Johnson was named NEC Co-Player of the week after averaging 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in a pair of Quinnipiac victories against Robert Morris and Saint Francis (Pa.). He made 10-of-19 three-pointers in earning his second career NEC award.

'Tay-king On A Larger Role
In seven games without Justin Rutty, Deontay Twyman stepped up to the tune of 15.4 points and 3.7 assists per game, both team highs. He highlighted the stretch with a career-high 23 points, 18 in the first half, against CCSU, Jan. 15.

Anything Tay Can Do, Bo Can Do Better
After seeing Deontay Twyman go off for 18 of his career-high 23 points in the first half of their previous home game against CCSU, Jan. 15, James Johnson erupted for 20 of his career-high 38 points against Robert Morris, Jan. 27. The 38 points were the most scored by a Bobcat since Rob Monroe '05 scored 40 points against Sacred Heart, Feb. 3, 2005. Monroe is the only Bobcat in program Division I history to score more than 38 points, a feat he accomplished three times with a high of 41, Jan. 2, 2005. The 38 points were the most by an NEC player since Wagner's Joey Mundweiler had 39, Feb. 28, 2009.

Eighty Up
The Bobcats had won 18 straight games when scoring 80 points or more, prior to a 90-80 loss at Wagner, Jan. 20.

Alright On The Road
The Bobcats won their first five road games this season, becoming the first team in NEC history to win its first five road contests. The streak was snapped, Jan. 17, as the Bobcats fell at Brown.

Highly-Touted...and Producing
Much-heralded freshman Tevin Baskin had a break-out performance with 13 points, nine rebounds and two steals against CCSU on Jan. 15. Five of his nine boards were offensive.

New High For Dom
Dominique Langston scored 15 points at Wagner, establishing a new season high. He had scored 14 points on two prior occasions.

Depth The Difference
Quinnipiac's bench outscored Central Connecticut's reserves, 23-4, Jan. 15.

Chairman of the Boards
Ike Azotam had his first double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds against Bryant, Jan. 13.

Jamee Jamee Jamee
Jamee Jackson has blocked three shots on four different occasions this season, including twice in two games against Fairleigh Dickinson and Bryant, Jan. 8 and 13, respectively.

Dealing A Drought
The Bobcats held Bryant without a field goal until the 6:24 mark of the first half, Jan. 13.

Jackson's Potential Pours Out At Monmouth
Playing without Justin Rutty on the opposite block due to injury, Jamee Jackson stepped up in a big way with a career-high 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Jan. 6 at Monmouth. He also made what proved to be the game-winning free throw with 14.3 seconds left.

QU Can Knock Down the Three, Too
Led by James Johnson's seven trifectas, QU hit 12 three-pointers, Dec. 22 at Niagara, the most by a Quinnipiac team since the Bobcats knocked down 12 in Tom Moore's debut in Hamden, Nov. 11, 2007, a double-overtime thriller that QU won against Hartford, 85-79.

Dom's Timely Tip-In
Dominique Langston tipped in the game-winner with 3.8 seconds left in regulation as QU defeated Boston University, 82-81, Dec. 29.

Johnson Feelin' It From Long Range
James Johnson extended a red-hot three-point shooting streak with a 7-for-11 performance from beyond the arc at Niagara. The seven three-pointers, most by a Bobcat since Van Crafton '07 knocked down seven, Dec. 7, 2006 at Mount St. Mary's, pushed Johnson's percentage to 56.7 percent (17-30) over the four-game stretch.

Have A Day, Tay
Deontay Twyman established new career highs with 19 points (since eclipsed), seven rebounds and seven assists, while adding a highlight-reel block at Niagara, sprinting back on defense to prevent a fast-break bucket.

Dom's Double-Double
Dominique Langston had produced double-figure points and rebounds previously in his nine games as a Bobcat, but gave Quinnipiac both in the same game with 10 points and 12 rebounds for his first career double-double at Niagara.

Quinnipiac Picks Up Signature Victory
The Bobcats picked up perhaps the most impressive win in program history when they defeated Rhode Island, 73-66, Dec. 11 at the TD Bank Sports Center. The win is the first in program history over an Atlantic-10 school.

Free 'N' Easy
Justin Rutty, a career 48.8 percent free-throw shooter entering the Dec. 7 game against Lehigh, went 11-for-11 from the charity stripe against the Mountain Hawks. The streak reached 14 consecutive against URI, before he missed his first free throw at Niagara on Dec. 22.

Rutty, Langston Earn NEC Recognition
Justin Rutty and Dominique Langston earned NEC Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, on Dec. 13, after leading the Bobcats to a 2-0 week against Lehigh and Rhode Island. Rutty averaged 20.0 points and 9.0 rebounds, while Langston added 7.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

Welcome to the Fold, T-Bask
Highly-touted recruit Tevin Baskin became eligible for play following the last day of final exams at Quinnipiac, and saw his first game action Dec. 22 at Niagara.

New (Le)High Rebounding Mark
The Bobcats established a new program D-I record with 60 rebounds, Dec. 7 against Lehigh. The prior record of 58 rebounds came twice in recent years - a double-overtime game against Hartford, Nov. 11, 2007, and a Jan. 2, 2005 overtime contest against Division II Longwood.

Brown Provides Added Boost
Lance Brown was granted a waiver by the NCAA, Nov. 23, to become immediately eligible for play after transferring from Fordham this past Spring. Brown had seven points and four rebounds in his Bobcats debut at Dartmouth, but missed the next four games due to injury. He returned, Dec. 11 against Rhode Island.

Dom-inating the Boards
Dominique Langston grabbed 14 rebounds against Lehigh, Dec. 7, the most by a Quinnipiac player so far this season.

Jump and Run
The Bobcats began five of their first six games on a run. They scored the first nine points against Yale, before scoring seven straight against Hartford. QU scored five straight to open against Vermont, before scoring the first four and 15 of the first 17 at Dartmouth. The Bobcats also scored six of the first eight points against Maine, and five straight against Mount St. Mary's.

Block Party
Six different Bobcats accounted for eight blocks against Lehigh, Dec. 7. The eight-block performance was only the fourth of its kind for Quinnipiac at Division I, and the first since the 1999-2000 season. The Braves blocked a program Division I record nine shots against Yale, Dec. 3, 1999, while registering eight blocks at Fordham and Long Island, Dec. 21 and Jan. 17, respectively, in the same season.

Will-ing His Way Into The Line-up
After seeing just 11 minutes in four games to begin the year, William Harrison made the most of his 13 minutes, Dec. 7 against Lehigh. Harrison scored four points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out two assists, including a nifty dime ahead of the pack to Deontay Twyman to create separation in crunch time.

Super Bo
James Johnson scored eight points in the final 57 seconds to propel the Bobcats to victory against Mount St. Mary's, Dec. 4. Trailing by four in the final minute, Johnson nailed two three-pointers, stripped the Mount's Julian Norfleet with five seconds left, and made the game-winning runner just prior to the final buzzer.

Dom Stealin' and Stuffin'
Dominique Langston established an early career high of four steals, including the theft and breakaway dunk that completed the Bobcats' comeback from down 19 against UMass, Dec. 1.

Defense Offensive...Then Gets Defensive
After a first half against Maine in which the Bobcats allowed the Black Bears to shoot 52.2 percent (12-23), the Bobcats buckled down in the second half, holding Maine to 25.9 percent (7-27) from the floor.

Owning the Offensive Boards Against UMass
A year after grabbing a program Division I-record 28 offensive rebounds at UMass, Dec. 2, 2009, the Bobcats tied their second-greatest total on the offensive glass with 24 against UMass, Dec. 1, 2010. Quinnipiac also took 24 offensive caroms against Yale, Nov. 16, 2009. Justin Rutty led the way with seven offensive boards in the latest installment against UMass.

Langston Huge
Dominique Langston emerged as a solid contributor off the bench, averaging 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over two games against Hartford and Vermont.

Not Up In Here!
Jamee Jackson had three second-half blocks against Maine, each leading to Bobcats offensive production. After his first block just less than two minutes in, James Johnson hit a three on the ensuing possession. Immediately following his block at the 11:53 mark, Dave Johnson nailed one from long range. Finally, following his rejection at the 5:08 mark, James Johnson hit a jumper on the next time down on offense.

A Lot To Like With Ike
Ike Azotam went 7-for-7 from the floor for 15 points to go along with seven rebounds, Nov. 23, at Dartmouth. The 100 percent performance was the first of five or more attempts for the Bobcats since Karl Anderson went 5-for-5 at Monmouth on Feb. 21, 2008. For his effort, Azotam was named the NEC Co-Rookie of the Week on Nov. 29.

Sweet 16's
Deontay Twyman tied his then-career-high with 16 points against Yale at the Connecticut 6 Classic, Nov. 13. James Johnson matched Twyman's 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting and 4-for-4 from the line.

Bonding Overseas
The Bobcats took a 10-day trip to The Netherlands, Belgium and France this past August. In four games, Quinnipiac went 3-1.

Moore Wins
With 23 wins in 2009-10, including 15 NEC victories, the Bobcats set a new program record. The marks edge the 1999-2000 QU team (18-10, 12-6 NEC) for the most wins at D-I, and passed the 1972-73 and 1979-80 teams for the all-time program record.

Everybody's Favorite
The Northeast Conference's coaches selected the Bobcats as the league's first unanimous favorite since 1997-98 (LIU). In addition, The Sporting News, Athlon, Lindy's and the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Report also picked QU.

On the Rebound
Quinnipiac was outrebounded just three times in 2009-10, and owned a +8.5 rebounding margin, second-best in the nation.

Moore of the Same
Head Coach Tom Moore has won the season opener in each of his four years at QU, the first three coming against Hartford, while the most recent came this season against Yale. Prior to Moore's arrival to Hamden, no Quinnipiac team had won its first game of the season during the school's Division I era. Teams that have had Moore serving on the coaching staff have won 11 consecutive season openers. The last time one of Moore's teams didn't win its first game was Nov. 11, 1999, when defending National Champion and top-ranked UConn was upset by Iowa in the Coaches vs. Cancer IKON Classic. None of Quinnipiac's other five coaches all-time won their first three season openers, and only Burt Kahn won as many as four straight at any point. Kahn won six straight from 1967-68 through 1972-73.

Rutty's Keeping Good Company
At 15.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, Justin Rutty was one of just 20 players nationally to average a double-double in 2009-10.

Quinnipiac, Rutty Grab Top Rankings
The Bobcats ranked 14th in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (14.6) in 2009-10. Individually, Justin Rutty ranked second nationally at 4.9 offensive boards per game, a year after finishing second in the nation behind only Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair (5.6 oreb/game) with 4.6 offensive caroms per game.

Keeping Good Company
Quinnipiac was one of just four teams in the NCAA ranked in the top 10 nationally in both rebound margin and rebounds per game in 2009-10. The Bobcats ranked second in rebound margin and 10th in rebounds per game. Quinnipiac joined nationally-ranked Kentucky (4th - rebound margin, 5th - rebounds per game) and Kansas (9th - rebound margin, 7th - rebounds per game), as well as Radford (7th - rebound margin, 1st - rebounds per game) in the exclusive club. Quinnipiac also ranked 14th in offensive rebounds (14.61).

Bobcats Experience Historic 2009-10 Season
The Quinnipiac University men's basketball team experienced a historic season of firsts in 2009-10. Jim Phelan NEC Coach of the Year Tom Moore led the Bobcats to a program-record 23 wins, the first Northeast Conference Regular Season Championship in team history, and a berth into the National Invitation Tournament, the first national postseason tournament appearance in program Division I history. Junior forward Justin Rutty was named the NEC Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history earn the award. Both Rutty and senior wing James Feldeine were named to the All-NEC First Team Moore's recognition as Coach of the Year was also a first in program history.

On Deck
The Bobcats conclude the 2010-11 regular season Saturday, when they play host to Fairleigh Dickinson. Quinnipiac will honor its seniors prior to the game as part of Senior Day. Opening tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. The game will be televised live on MSG-TV.