Rutgers women's basketball's slow start too much to overcome in loss to Wisconsin
The Rutgers women's basketball team fell to Wisconsin 61-43 Saturday afternoon at Jersey Mike's Arena on Livingston campus. The loss marked the Scarlet Knights' (8-20, 2-13) second to the Badgers (12-12, 5-9) this season and the third straight loss dating back to February 2023.
Rutgers fell to a quick 4-0 deficit to open up the game, forcing head coach Coquese Washington to take an early timeout less than 2 minutes into the contest. The Knights' offense continued to face early struggles, as they were held scoreless for more than half of the first quarter while giving up 12 points defensively during that time.
Rutgers had many offensive chances in the first quarter but could not capitalize. This lack of efficiency plagued the Knights as they shot just 25 percent from the field and went 0 for 4 from the three-point line.
Wisconsin would take advantage of Rutgers' poor shooting performance and grow its lead to 16 points after a three-point make from Natalie Leuzinger at the 7:59 mark of the second quarter. The Badgers would see themselves up by as many as 16 points on three separate occasions in the half, as the Knights could not find a way to chip away at the deficit.
Despite its shooting struggles throughout the year, Wisconsin shot approximately 40 percent from the field and hit the same from deep. The three-ball was falling for the team, especially for Leuzinger, who contributed three triples en route to an 11-point first half.
Rutgers saw its main production come from junior guard and forward Destiny Adams, as she scored 6 points and grabbed six boards for her squad in the opening half. Sophomore guard Mya Petticord would match Adams with 6 points, and the two were tied for the team high going into the locker rooms.
The start of the second half was a familiar sight, much to the chagrin of the Knights' faithful. Sophomore guard and forward Antonia Bates went to the line at the 8:25 mark and knocked down 1 of 2 free throw attempts. This would be the only score for Rutgers until approximately halfway through the third quarter.
The first made field goal in the second half for the Knights came by way of a three-point shot by graduate student center Kassondra Brown, followed by a three-point shot from senior guard Erica Lafayette, which caused the crowd at Jersey Mike's Arena to erupt.
Having some momentum on its side, Rutgers looked to capitalize on the back-to-back three-point buckets and ride the crowd's energy, but the Badgers would do an excellent job of composing themselves and not allowing the Knights to go on a run.
In the end, Wisconsin would pull away further thanks to a stellar performance by Serah Williams, who contributed 17 points and 18 rebounds in the victory.
In the loss, Adams recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 boards.
Rutgers sits in last place in the Big Ten, but there is still something to play for this season.
"It doesn't matter if you have a big win, big loss, tough loss, whatever," Washington said. "We have the midnight rule: We get till midnight to celebrate or commiserate, and then, the next day, it's on to the next thing."
The Knights' next opportunity is Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the road against Maryland at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland.
"There is a lot to play for every night. There's experience, there's learning, there's growth, there's connection, there's chemistry — there's so many things that can be developed," Washington said.
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