Jonathan Mitchell and Dane Miller got Rutgers off to a fast start, and the Scarlet Knights cruised to a 79-65 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson in a non-conference battle of New Jersey schools on Tuesday.

Mitchell and Miller nearly outscored the Knights by themselves in the first half. Mitchell poured in 17 points and Miller added eight in the first 20 minutes as Rutgers opened up a 40-25 lead at the break.

Mitchell finished with 22 points in 28 minutes while Miller had 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks.

Gilvydas Biruta scored 11 points for the Scarlet Knights (7-2), who have won four straight and are 6-0 at home.

Rutgers shot 52 percent (28 for 54) from the field and feasted on Fairleigh Dickinson’s mistakes as it turned 23 turnovers into 36 points.

Mike Scott scored 23 points and added five rebounds for the Knights (3-6), who are mired in their second three-game losing skid of the season. Fairleigh Dickinson had won three straight after opening the season with three losses.