Rutgers women's basketball routs Wagner for 2nd straight win
The Rutgers women’s basketball team defeated Wagner 86-48 in an efficient offensive showing at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Livingston campus. It has been a much better start to the season than that of a year ago, as the Scarlet Knights (7-4, 0-1) are just one win away from tying their win total from the 2023-24 campaign.
The first half was all Rutgers, controlling both ends of the floor, holding the Seahawks (2-7, 0-0) to 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 9- for-30 from the floor. Freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller found a way to get herself open on almost every possession with her flashy ball-handling ability. McMiller led the Knights with 15 points in the first half.
Despite a strong defensive half, Rutgers could not find an answer for Julia Fabozzi and Keana Foz, who combined for 19 of Wagner’s 21 first-half points. It comes as no surprise that Fabozzi scored almost half of her team’s points, as she leads the Seahawk in scoring, averaging approximately 14 points per game.
Unlike previous games, the first half was not just all McMiller and senior forward Destiny Adams providing the offensive output. Junior guard Mya Petticord and graduate student forward JoJo Lacey each tallied 8 points in the opening half, shooting a combined 4-for-6 from three. The Knights held a comfortable 45-21 lead heading into the third quarter.
With a comfortable lead, Rutgers played a strong third quarter, outscoring Wagner 15-13, with Adams and McMiller leading the way with 12 combined points. It is tough to say 12 points from the Knights' two leading scorers is worrisome, but this could become an issue in the future. As opponents continue to improve, defenses will key in on McMiller and Adams, leaving it up to others to produce offensively.
Two players who could become significant contributors to the offense going forward are Lacey and freshman forward Zachara Perkins. Lacey filled the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds and 4 assists. Perkins scored just 6 points but has shown signs of improvement throughout the season.
Another addition for the Knights is graduate student guard Awa Sidibe, who came off the availability report this week. Sidibe last suited up for Rutgers 654 days ago against Illinois due to a knee injury at the start of last season. It is still unknown when Sidibe will be back, but it looks hopeful that she will see some time soon for the Knights.
“There’s no timetable, we’ll take it day by day,” said head coach Coquese Washington. “Hopefully, we’ll see her (Sidibe) out there soon… (and) we’re really, really glad that she’s on the active roster now.
McMiller notched her third double-double in the win with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Adams recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Rutgers saw a complete team effort in the win, with every player that entered the game recording a basket. Sophomore walk-on guard Kennedy Brandt and walk-on junior guard Deja Young both recorded their first points of the season, sending their teammates into a frenzy on the bench.
“They have great comradery, they have great chemistry,” Washington said. “I feel like every day, every game, it gets a little bit better and you can see the joy that they play with… they really love playing for each other.”
The Knights have some time off before playing Lafayette in the Holiday Hoops Game at home next Saturday to wrap up nonconference play. Saturday’s tip is scheduled for noon and will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
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