SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Rutgers women's basketball team suffered a 77-49 loss at Seton Hall on Monday night at Walsh Gymnasium.
Rutgers fell to an overall record of 1-1 on the season, while Seton Hall improved to 2-0.
Senior center Rachel Hollivay (Columbus, Miss.) nearly eclipsed a double-double with 13 points and eight rebounds, along with two blocks in the contest. Senior forward Kahleah Copper (Philadelphia, Pa.) posted a team-high 17 points, while junior guard Tyler Scaife (Little Rock, Ark.) added in 11 points in the loss.
Four Pirates registered double-digit points, as Tiffany Jones led all scorers on the court with 20 points, including a 4-of-7 mark from the three-point range and a perfect 4-of-4 showing at the free throw line. Jones also added in 13 rebounds in the win as the Pirates outrebounded the Scarlet Knights, 39-26, and limited RU to two offensive boards. The Pirate's Aleesha Powell followed with 17 points, while Tabatha Richardson-Smith and Shakeena Richardson rounded out the double-figure scorers with 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Despite falling behind 9-2 to start the contest, Rutgers rallied with six unanswered points to pull within one at 9-8 midway through the first quarter. The Pirates ended the burst though to take a 23-12 lead at the end of the quarter and extend their lead to as many as 16 points, 30-14, with 6:57 to go in the second quarter.
The Scarlet Knights were able to recover a rhythm, closing the final five minutes of second quarter by outscoring Seton Hall, 12-0, and trailed by only four, 32-28, at the half.
Returning from the break, Seton Hall continued to add to its edge with a 14-4 run, carried by 12 points from the three-point range, to set the score at 46-32 with 4:56 to go in the third quarter.
The Pirates remained steady from the long range and led by 20 points or more throughout a majority of the fourth quarter.
Overall, Seton Hall closed the contest with an 11-of-24 (45.8%) performance from long range and a 22-of-25 (88%) showing at the charity stripe to claim the win.
Up next, the Rutgers women's basketball team hosts St. John's for its 2015-16 home opener on Thursday, Nov. 19. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at the RAC. Camo hats will be available to the first 500 people to enter the RAC and fans can pick up the 2015-16 season Rutgers women's basketball team poster.
Follow Rutgers women's basketball on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersWBB), Twitter (www.twitter.com/RutgersWBB) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/RutgersWBB) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
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