Defense ruled the day as Rutgers topped Fairfield, 68-53, Monday night as part of the Philly Group Hoop Classic in Piscataway, N.J.

The Scarlet Knights (1-1) faced a stiff test early, clinging to a slim 23-21 lead with 7:34 left in the first half before slowly pulling away. Fairfield struggled to maintain a rhythm against the stingy Rutgers defense, shooting just 34.5 percent (10 of 29) in the first half and an abysmal 23.1 percent (6 of 26) after the break.

Rutgers led 35-27 at the midway point, and consecutive 3-pointers by Jonathan Mitchell and James Beatty capped a decisive run of eight straight points to start the second half. The Stags (1-1) never got closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

Mitchell paced the Scarlet Knights with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Mike Coburn and Dane Miller contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Fairfield got 14 points from Derek Needham and 12 points from Warren Edney.