WRSU will have the call from the island, which kicks off with match-up with USC on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. EST.

 

The Scarlet Knights (2-2) are participating in the multi-team event for the third time in the tournament’s history. In 2004, RU won the event in the St. John Division with wins over South Dakota State, Oregon State and Kentucky. RU also competed in the 2006 Paradise Jam, defeating former rival Penn State in the opening game. The Knights championship game versus Arizona State was cancelled due to a tragedy which suddenly struck the Sun Devils basketball family.

 

After USC, RU continues play with No. 19 Mississippi State (Nov. 27) and No. 13 Texas (Nov. 28).

 

 Rutgers leads the all-time series with USC, 4-2. It is the first meeting since a 76-59 Scarlet Knights win in Piscataway, N.J. on Dec. 20, 1999. RU has faced a Pac-10 opponent each of the last four seasons. USC is 1-2 on the year under first-year head coach Michael Cooper.

 

 Rutgers and Mississippi State (4-0) have never met in women’s basketball action. The Scarlet Knights are 20-35 all-time against SEC schools and have met at least one from the conference every season since 2002.

 

 The Scarlet Knights are 5-6 against Texas (2-1) all-time. The last showdown took place on Jan. 2, 2005 in what became known as the ‘Trifecta’ among Scarlet Knights fans. In an eight-day span, RU bested three top-10 teams: No. 8 Tennessee (68-510, at No. 4 Texas (63-49) and finally, No. 1 LSU (51-49).

 

Rutgers has an all-time 95-53 (.641) ledger when playing at a neutral site. During head coach C. Vivian Stringer’s tenure, RU is 48-21 (.696) in neutral events.

 

All of the games at the Paradise Jam will be video streamed at www.b2livetv.com. They are produced by Fox College Sports with Brenda VanLengen calling the action. The cost is $8 per game or $49 for the entire tournament package, go to http://www.foxcollegesports.com for more information.  GAME NOTES