So far Rutgers has learned how to defend its home court under first-year coach Mike Rice.

Gilvydas Biruta had a big game and Rutgers remained perfect at the RAC this season with a 66-54 victory over NJIT on Wednesday in a non-conference matchup of New Jersey rivals.

Biruta scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Scarlet Knights (4-2), who led 33-30 at the half and were finally able to shake the Highlanders late in the second half.

Jonathan Mitchell had 13 points and 11 rebounds to help Rutgers improve to 4-0 at home this season. The 12 point victory over NJIT is the closest game Rutgers has played at the RAC this season. T

The Scarlet Knights started the season with home wins over Fairfield by 15, Miami by 16 and Norfolk State by 24, marking the first time since 1977 that the Scarlet Knights beat three consecutive Division I opponents by 15 points or more.

Jheryl Wilson scored 16 points and Isaiah Wilkerson added 10 for NJIT (1-4), which shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the field and committed 15 turnovers that led to 18 points for Rutgers.