Rider Falls to Oregon in Opening Round of NIT

The Rider Broncs finish the 2017-18 season with 22-10 after dropping an opening round NIT game to the Oregon Ducks, 99-86. The regular season MAAC champions were one win shy of tying a program record for wins.

The Broncs held a lead for much of the first half as they shot 54.3 percent, including a 44-36 advantage at the halftime. At one point early in second half, the Broncs held a 12 point lead. However, a huge fourth quarter by the Ducks was too much for Rider. Oregon made their first ten shots to start the final frame and were 11-of-12 for the quarter to take control of the game and end the Broncs season.

Five Broncs finished in double figures, led by red-shirt freshman Dimencio Vaughn’s game-high 25. Sophomore center Tyere Marshall recorded 18 points, red-shirt freshman guard Jordan Allen tallied 17, red-shirt freshman forward Frederick Scott finished with 16, and sophomore guard Stevie Jordan registered 10 in the loss.

The Broncs outscored Oregon in the paint, 50-34.

Sophomore guard Payton Pritchard and freshman guard Victor Bailey Jr. totaled 46 points (23 points each) to lead Oregon. The Ducks advance to the second round where they will play the winner of No. 2 seed Marquette and No. 7 seed Harvard.

For Rider, their postseason struggles continue. The Broncs are now 1-10 all-time in postseason tournaments, including 0-2 in the NIT.

There is a lot of talent set to return next season for Rider and head coach Kevin Baggett. It’s expected the team will continue to grow and there should be much more success in the years to come.