Rutgers basketball: Maine visits Jersey Mike’s Arena tonight — tip-off time, how to watch, and what to watch for

Rutgers men’s basketball returns to the floor tonight looking to build early momentum after a comfortable opening win. With Maine coming to Piscataway, the Scarlet Knights have a chance to sharpen rotations, test new scoring options, and push to 2–0 before a quick turnaround later this week.

Rutgers vs. Maine: tip-off time and how to watch

• Date: Monday, November 10, 2025

• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. GMT

• Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, N.J.

Ways to watch in the U.S.: a live-TV bundle or cable plan that includes the primary college sports channels will carry this nonconference matchup; authenticated streaming through those network apps is supported on smart TVs, streaming sticks, phones, and tablets. Radio and school-produced digital coverage are also available. In the UK, check your pay-sports listings at 11:30 p.m. GMT.

Programming notes: Arrive early if you’re heading to the arena—weeknight campus traffic can stack up—and update your streaming app before tip to avoid sign-in hiccups.

Recent form: takeaways from Rutgers’ opening win

Rutgers opened the season with an emphatic 81–53 victory over Rider, pulling away after halftime behind improved ball pressure and a more balanced shot profile. Newcomer Tariq Francis delivered a headline debut with 20 points, while Dylan Grant added 17, a promising sign for a team seeking reliable scoring beyond one primary option. The defense held Rider to the low 50s, clamped down on second-chance looks, and forced a rash of empty trips in the final 20 minutes.

The broader theme: Rutgers looked more intentional in early offense and more connected defensively than at this time last year. The rotation also showed functional depth—useful with two games in five days.

Scouting Maine: what the Scarlet Knights must handle

Maine arrives searching for its first win of the season and will lean into discipline and half-court execution. Expect a measured pace, back-cut actions, and a willingness to make Rutgers guard through the entire shot clock. Three swing factors to watch:

1. Tempo control: If Rutgers can generate stops and run, Maine’s half-court comfort zone disappears. Early outlet passing and rim pressure are the accelerants.

2. Glass dominance: Owning the defensive boards prevents Maine’s set defense and fuels transition. Look for Rutgers’ wings to gang rebound to start the break.

3. Turnover margin: Maine’s best path is to shrink possessions and win the mistake battle. Clean entry passes and strong-hand drives from Rutgers will limit live-ball turnovers.

If the game tilts into a grind, late-clock creation from Francis and slashing wings becomes pivotal.

Rutgers rotation and stylistic notes

Head coach Steve Pikiell has leaned into a defense-first identity with length on the floor and a bench that can maintain pressure. Francis and Grant looked comfortable sharing usage in the opener; keeping both involved early establishes rhythm and spreads help defenders thin. Watch for:

• Bench pop: The second unit’s energy changed the Rider game; replicating that against Maine widens the margin.

• Shot profile: Fewer long twos, more paint touches and corner threes—small tweaks that raise the offensive ceiling.

• Foul discipline: With a compact nonconference schedule, avoiding cheap fouls preserves continuity and minutes distribution.

Women’s basketball update

On the women’s side, Rutgers was stung at home in a 71–54 loss to Stony Brook on Sunday, a reminder that ball security and late-game composure need quick attention. The matchup served as an early barometer for half-court execution; expect adjustments in spacing and turnover avoidance as the schedule moves forward.

What’s next for Rutgers basketball

The men remain home after Maine, with Lehigh visiting Friday at Jersey Mike’s Arena as part of a multi-game homestand. That quick cadence makes tonight doubly valuable: it’s a chance to bank a result and refine lineups before the competition level ratchets up and scouting reports thicken.

Game-night checklist for fans

• Verify your TV/streaming access and sign in 30 minutes early.

• If attending, plan for campus parking and security lines.

• Keep an eye on early substitution patterns—Rutgers’ bench could be a differentiator all month.

 If Rutgers carries over the defensive intensity and diversified scoring from opening night, the Scarlet Knights should handle Maine and head into Friday with confidence and continuity.