Box Score Nov. 14, 2016 Final Stats
ELON, N.C. - The Rutgers women's basketball fought back from a 27-point deficit with a late fourth quarter surge, but it was not enough as the Scarlet Knights fell 66-54 to Elon at Alumni Gym on Monday night.
The Scarlet Knights dropped to an overall record of 0-2 to start the season, while the Phoenix improved to 1-1 overall.
Junior Shrita Parker paced RU for the second-straight game, netting 15 points, including two three-pointers and a 5-of-6 showing at the free throw line. Sophomore Khadaizha Sanders followed with 11 points to round out the double-figure scorers.
On the boards, Desiree Keeling hauled in a career-high eight rebounds.
Elon was led by Shay Burnett with a game-high 20 points while Lauren Brown and Ra'Shika White added double-digit scoring performances with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Elon led by as many as six midway through the first quarter, but the Scarlet Knights chipped away until a three-pointer by freshman Kate Hill put RU ahead, 16-15, with 1:48 left in the frame. It would be Rutgers' only lead of the game.
With the Scarlet Knights post players in foul trouble and on the bench, the Phoenix answered by reclaiming the lead with a 21-5 run to head into the half up, 35-20.
Midway through the third quarter, the Phoenix claimed a 27-point lead. Burnett drained one of her four three-pointers to put Elon ahead, 49-22, with 5:23 on the clock.
RU closed out the third quarter outscoring the Phoenix, 15-7 and powered a 11-0 run to open up the fourth quarter. The Scarlet Knight burst turned what was once a 27-point deficit into single digits as the run was capped by Jazlynd Rollins at the line. Rollins hit 1-of-2 from the stripe to see Rutgers trail, 56-48, with 7:24 to go.
The late comeback fell short, however, as back-to-back Phoenix three-pointers cushioned Elon's lead for the remainder of the contest.
The Rutgers women's basketball team continues its road trip at Wake Forest on Thursday, Nov. 17. Tipoff with the Demon Deacons is set for 7 p.m.
KNIGHT NOTES:
- National statistics from the NCAA were released on Monday afternoon. Entering the game with the Phoenix, Victoria Harris was third in blocks per game (5.0) and Shrita Parker was tied for first in free throw percentage (1.00 4-4).
- Parker ended the evening in double digits for second-straight game and eighth time in career with 15 points. KK Sanders registered with her fourth double-digit scoring effort with 11 points. Both Parker and Sanders went 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
- Desiree Keeling reset her career mark in rebounding for the second-straight game. After hauling in five boards in the season opener vs. Chattanooga, the Roanoke, Virginia, native grabbed eight against the Phoenix.
- Keeling's eight points were also a new-career high.
- Khadaizha Sanders set a new career mark in steals with four thefts. Her previous high was two twice, recorded twice last season.
- Sanders also tied her career-high with 11 points. She netted 11 points twice last season.
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