Rutgers women's basketball hopes to get out of rut in weekend road game against Wisconsin
The Rutgers women's basketball team will travel to face off against Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, this Saturday. The Scarlet Knights (6-15, 0-8) are looking to end a 10-game losing streak.
The Badgers (9-9, 2-6) will come into the matchup with a 2-5 record in their last seven games and currently sit at the 12th spot of the Big Ten standings, two spots ahead of last-placed Rutgers.
As of January 25, Wisconsin averages the least points per game (PPG) across the conference with 64 PPG. The Knights have the edge over the Badgers with an average of 67.6 PPG. Based on prior statistics, it is not expected to be a shootout in scoring between Rutgers and Wisconsin.
On the flip side, the Badgers hold opponents to 67.7 PPG, putting them at 9th in that category. The Knights stand at the 12th spot in PPG allowed, giving up an average of 71.4 per contest to their opponents.
Serah Williams is Wisconsin's biggest threat, outpacing her teammates with 17.1 PPG and 10.3 rebounds per game (RPG). The 6-foot-4 forward comes in fifth in the conference in PPG and second in the conference in RPG.
Williams is also a menace on the defensive end with a conference-best 49 total blocks on the season, which is 15 more blocks than Rutgers' top shot-blocker, sophomore guard and forward Antonia Bates, who has played in four fewer games than Williams.
Ronnie Porter is another Badger to watch this weekend. She trails Williams in scoring and in rebounding with 10.3 PPG and 6.6 boards per game. Porter is also a playmaker on the offensive and defensive perimeters with 77 assists and 40 steals on the season.
With sophomore guard Kaylene Smikle most likely out once again due to an injury, the Knights have been relying on junior guard and forward Destiny Adams in the scoring department.
With that being said, Rutgers will not win games when only one player is scoring consistently. If multiple Knights can get into an offensive rhythm, the team has a real shot of earning its first conference win of the season and breaking a losing streak that began in early December 2023. Look for players like senior center Chyna Cornwell and sophomore guard Mya Petticord to try to take the load off of Adams' shoulders.
Rutgers will look to regain its footing this Saturday when it tips off with Wisconsin at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
For more updates on the Rutgers women's basketball team, follow @TargumSports on X.
To view more of Josh Meyers' work, follow @JoshCMeyers on X.
