Marcum (0-6) allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 2-3 innings, becoming the first Mets pitcher to open a season with six consecutive losses since Mike Pelfrey went 0-7 in 2007.
"Losing sight, " Rutgers coach Mike Rice said of how Connaughton was able to be open and go 6 of 8 from 3-point range and finish with a season-high 21 points in the 24th-ranked Fighting Irish's 69-61 victory Wednesday night in the second round of the Big East tournament.
The Spaniard, whose defeat to the Swede in the French Open triggered the unraveling of his season amid injury problems, won 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 as he began his build-up to the defense of his Australian Open title in encouraging style.