As the 2025–26 winter sports season unfolds, New Jersey’s college athletics programs are in the spotlight, featuring high-stakes basketball matchups, end-of-year tournaments, and emerging storylines across multiple sports. Fans have plenty to follow as the state’s teams make their mark in conference play and non-conference showdowns.

Men’s basketball has been a particular highlight this December. The Seton Hall Pirates are building momentum with a string of strong performances, including a decisive 81–59 victory over in-state rival Rutgers in the Garden State Hardwood Classic on December 13. The Pirates followed that with a narrow 72–67 win against Providence on December 19. Seton Hall now turns its focus to a major Big East clash against Villanova at the Prudential Center on December 23, a game that promises to test the Pirates’ consistency and offensive depth.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are navigating a challenging December schedule themselves. After eking out a 70–69 win over Penn on December 20, Rutgers will close its non-conference slate with a home matchup against Delaware State on December 29. Meanwhile, the Princeton Tigers men’s team has faced stiff competition, most recently falling 65–61 to Temple on December 22. Princeton looks to rebound when it hosts Vermont at Jadwin Gymnasium on December 30 to finish its non-conference schedule.

On the women’s side, Princeton continues to dominate. The Tigers secured commanding victories over Rutgers (81–63) and Temple (87–77) earlier this month, cementing their reputation as one of the top women’s programs in the state. The Seton Hall Pirates women’s team has also impressed, riding back-to-back wins against Auburn and Washington State, and will host Xavier on December 28 at Walsh Gymnasium in what is expected to be a competitive matchup.

Beyond basketball, New Jersey colleges are showcasing talent across other winter sports. Princeton’s men’s track and field team recently announced their indoor and outdoor 2026 schedules as they pursue a third consecutive “Triple Crown” following their fifth-straight Ivy League Cross Country title this fall. Wrestling is also active across the state, with Rutgers hosting dual meets against top opponents, including a December 2 matchup with Purdue. Montclair State University has undergone athletic transitions this year, launching a new NCAA Division III women’s flag football program while shifting its lacrosse programs to club status, reflecting evolving participation trends and program growth.

Rider Men’s Basketball Falls to VCU in High-Scoring Second Half Surge

Rider University’s men’s basketball team showcased offensive firepower but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with VCU, falling 100-79 in Monday night’s non-conference matchup at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia.

Despite the loss, Rider reached a season-high point total against a Division I opponent, demonstrating flashes of scoring potential even as defensive lapses proved costly. Ahmad Nowell came off the bench to make a remarkable impact, scoring 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from three-point range. Keyshawn Mitchell contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Lazar Djokovic added 13 points to the team’s effort.

VCU’s second-half shooting, however, proved decisive. The Rams connected on seven of 11 three-pointers after halftime, outscoring Rider 33-6 from beyond the arc. The Broncs, now 1-10 overall and 0-2 in MAAC play, struggled to contain the Rams’ perimeter offense. Shemani Fuller led Rider with 15 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, and Zion Cruz added 13 points alongside six assists. Caleb Smith chipped in 13 points and three steals, but it wasn’t enough to stem VCU’s momentum.

The first half was competitive, with Rider keeping pace through strong contributions from Djokovic, who tallied 12 points to help the Broncs reach a 45-36 deficit at the break. But VCU took control late in the first half, seized the lead with 7:24 remaining, and never looked back. The Rams’ second-half surge, highlighted by a 10-0 run, expanded their advantage to 68-45 and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Rider head coach Kevin Baggett acknowledged the challenges but remains focused on growth. “We did some good things in the first half, but we need to maintain composure and execute better in close games,” Baggett said. “Overall, we’re trending in the right direction.”

Looking ahead, Rider will return home to face Manhattan on December 29, beginning a stretch of 18 remaining MAAC games

With basketball rivalries, winter tournaments, and year-round athletic excellence in the spotlight, New Jersey’s college sports scene is providing fans with plenty of excitement this season. For those looking to stay updated on schedules, results, and standout performances, detailed coverage of collegiate athletics can be found at college sports.