PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The Rutgers women's basketball team (6-15, 0-8 B1G) battled, but could not complete its comeback against Michigan (13-6, 4-3 B1G), falling 56-50, for its 50th season Celebration Game on Sunday afternoon at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Jillian Huerter paced the scoring effort for RU, recording 12 points on 60 percent (3-for-5) shooting from beyond the arc. The freshman scored 10 of her 12 points in the fourth quarter, helping to keep the Scarlet Knights stay in the game until the very end.
Destiny Adams also had a strong performance as well, netting 11 points and shooting a perfect 5-for-5 at the free throw line.
Mya Petticord led the way off the glass, matching a career-high with eight rebounds. The sophomore's efforts contributed to the team's 34 total boards, which edged the Wolverines by one (34-33). The Scarlet Knights also owned the advantage in blocked shots, 6-0.
All eight players who touched the floor for Rutgers recorded points in the effort.
How it Happened
- Lisa Thompson put Rutgers on the board first with a field goal just 11 seconds into the contest.
- Michigan responded to its early deficit with five-straight points to jump out in front, 5-2.
- Adams and Thompson put the Scarlet Knights ahead once again, each recording a field goal. With six minutes left in the first quarter, RU was up, 6-5. The Wolverines answered to regain the 7-6 advantage entering the first media break of the afternoon.
- Adams recorded four points in the final minutes of the opening period, but Michigan took a 16-10 lead into the second quarter.
- Petticord got the second quarter scoring going with a made jumper before the two teams went on to trade baskets for the following minutes, as Michigan held a 20-16 edge with 3:47 left in the half.
- Thompson added a layup in the final seconds of the half, but the Scarlet Knights trailed, 25-18, heading into the locker room.
- After a Michigan made free throw to open the second half, Huerter and Chyna Cornwell used two points apiece to put Rutgers within four at the 8:34 mark.
- Scoring continued to come at a premium in the contest, as the teams exchanged just 11 points over the next six minutes. A layup from Erica Lafayette with under three minutes to play in the third cut Michigan's lead to just five.
- Petticord and Brown added free throws for RU as the third quarter came to a close. Entering the final period of the contest, the Wolverines onyl held a slight edge, 34-30.
- Rutgers looked to close its deficit at the start of the fourth, with Huerter draining a three-pointer to keep her team within four. The Wolverines continued to stay in front however, responding with five-straight points.
- Following a timeout, Huerter answered again for the Scarlet Knights with her second three of the night to keep RU within single digits. Despite Huerters' efforts, Michigan managed to push its edge back up to 10 with 4:24 left in the game.
- RU did not quit though, as a layup from Adams sparked a 10-2 Rutgers run, forcing a Michigan timeout.
- Out of the pause, a Michigan three-pointer extended its edge to five with 56.7 to play. The Wolverines edged the Scarlet Knights, 7-3, in the final minute, ultimately claiming a 56-50 win.
Gallery: (1-21-2024) WBB vs. Michigan
Knights Notes
- Huerter's 12 points marks the fifth time this campaign that the freshman has scored in double figures.
- Petticord's eight rebounds matched a career-best which she had previously set earlier in the season against Sainit Franics (Nov. 18).
- Bates contributed five assists in the game, adding to her team-high total of 54 helpers this slate.
- Bates also matched a career-high four blocks. The sophomore is third in the Big Ten with 34 blocks through 21 games played.
- Adams ended the night with 11 points. She has now recorded double-digit points in the past six contests and 10+ points 16 times this season.
- Adams shot a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. The junior is 36-for-45 from the charity stripe (80 percent) over the last six games.
- RU out-rebounded Michigan, 34-33. The Scarlet Knights have recorded more boards than their opponent twice in their last three outings.
- Rutgers dished out four more assists (11-7) than the Wolverines.
- The Scarlet Knights outscored the Wolverines, 12-9, in the third quarter.
Volume Up
Next Up
Rutgers will have six days off before heading to Wisconsin on Saturday, Jan. 27 for a 3 p.m. ET contest.
Follow Along
Follow Rutgers women's basketball on Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersWBB) for all of the latest news and updates. The team is also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersWBB). For all Rutgers Athletics news follow us on Twitter (@RUAthletics), Instagram (@RUAthletics), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics). For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
