Nurideen Lindsey scored 26 points the opener/ Photo by JOHN BLAINE

Quick reaction: Anybody see that coming? Anybody? That was a terrific performance by Rider in the season opener. The Broncs lost by 26 to Robert Morris in the opener a year ago and won by 25 Friday night. Utilizing a full-court press, they harried the Colonials into 17 turnovers and limited them to 25 percent shooting. RMU had no answers for the pressure. Nurideen Lindsey was huge — 26 points — in his first game in a Rider uniform.


Stud of the game: Lindsey, a junior transfer from St. John's, did exactly what people were expecting him to do. His 26 points came on 10 of 15 shooting in 32 minutes.

For Rider to be successful, he has to score the ball like he did Friday. In the exhibition game, he wasn't aggressive as he needed to be and that was something he talked to coach Kevin Baggett about.

"I just wanted to come out and be aggressive," Lindsey said. "I don't think I was aggressive as coach wanted me to be in our two previous exhibitions. Coach told me to be aggressive, he told everybody that, so we could do what he had to do."

Kevin Baggett promised defense and his team delivered/ Photo by JOHN BLAINE

Also, kudos to Baggett for a victory in his coaching debut. He promised defense and an up-tempo style and was true to his word.

We'll see if the Broncs can keep up this pace — it was fast — as the season continues.

"That's why I was hammering them all summer about being in shape," Baggett said.

Dud of the game: It was a bad night for Robert Morris. The Colonials were overwhelmed by Rider's swarming defense, and save for a pair of Coron Williams 3-pointers to start the game, couldn't hit the ocean if you put them on the beach.

Then former coach Mike Rice and Rutgers went out and lost to St. Peter's in their opener. That's the same St. Peter's that was picked to finish last in the MAAC.

Around the MAAC

St. Peter's 56, Rutgers 52: Great win for the Peacocks. Bad loss for Rutgers. It's just one game, but should we start the Mike Rice clock?

Vermont 54, Albany 53: Tough one for the Saints, who are expected to be back near the top of the league. Another double-double for O.D. Anosike (10 points, 17 rebounds).

Loyola 71, Binghamton 45: Good luck Tommy Dempsey. You'll need it.

Iona 65, Denver 58: Gaels got their regular-season championship banner then got 20 from Lamont Jones and 19 from Sean Armand to win the opener.

Oregon State 102, Niagara 83: Coach Craig Robinson's bunch still excited by his brother-in-law's victory over Mitt Romney.

Stony Brook 60, Marist 57: Seawolves next for Rider in 6 a.m. tip.