Rutgers women’s basketball topples Wagner 86-43

Rutgers women’s basketball is off to a 2-0 start after a blowout victory over Wagner on Thursday night. In front of almost 2,000 home fans, the Scarlet Knights jumped out to a 21-4 lead in the first quarter and never looked back in a 86-43 win. Kaylene Smikle and Destiny Adams led the way as each registered a double-double.

Coquese Washington’s team pushed the pace and scored 43 transition points, equally Wagner’s total points scored. They held a 44-26 advantage with points in the paint. Rutgers held a +24 rebounding margin and a 17-2 edge in second chance points. RU forced 21 turnovers while committing 20, but held a 31-13 advantage in points off of turnovers. As a team, Rutgers had 21 assists on 61 made field goals.

Smikle returned to form after recovering from an injury in scoring a game high 20 points along with 11 rebounds. She was 4 of 8 from the floor and an impressive 12 of 14 from the foul line. It was an efficient performance in just 24 minutes of action.

Adams continued the strong start in her Rutgers career with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks. She was 6 of 12 from the floor, 5 of 6 from the foul line and committed zero turnovers. Her impact early on has been massive for head coach Coquese Washington.

Chyna Cornwell was her usual steady presence inside, finishing with 15 points and 8 rebounds. She was 5 of 8 from the floor and a perfect 5 of 5 from the foul line.

Point guard Mya Petticord had 6 points, 6 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds. Antonia Bates had 4 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Erica Lafayette was efficient off the bench in making 3 of 4 shots from behind the arc for 9 points. Jillian Huerter was 2 of 6 from three-point range in scoring the first 7 points of her collegiate career. Kassondra Brown was productive with 6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists.

Rutgers shot 47.5% from the floor, 29.4% from three and made 23 of 29 attempts for 79.3% from the foul line. Wagner shot just 23.4% from the floor and was only 2 of 17 from behind the arc for 11.8%.

Rutgers will next host Auburn on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. airing live on the Big Ten Network. The Tigers are off to a 2-0 start as well and will provide a good non-conference test for the Scarlet Knights.

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