Box Score PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Chyna Cornwell led Rutgers women's basketball team (1-0) over Manhattan (0-1) in the season opener at Jersey Mike's Arena on Monday night, 85-79.
Cornwell recorded a massive 21-point, 15 rebound double-double, the 13th of her collegiate career. Destiny Adams and JoJo Lacey produced 14 points apiece while Zachara Perkins also joined them in double-digits, netting 11 points.
After six lead changes to start the game, the Scarlet Knights went ahead with 4:05 left in the first quarter and never looked back.
How it Happened
- Manhattan hit its first two threes at the top of the contest to take an early lead. Kiyomi McMiller, however, added a jumper, for her first collegiate points, to keep it close.
- McMiller added another score in addition to buckets from Lacey and Cornwell to give RU its first lead, 9-8.
- Adams and Cornwell combined for another four points, but the Jaspers continued to chip away, tying the contest with 1:45 to play, 13-13.
- However, the Scarlet Knights outscored Manhattan 4-2 in the final 1:30 to go into the next 10 minutes up, 17-15.
- Cornwell kept the momentum going into the second quarter with a three-point play. But the excitement wasn't over as Adams hit the first three of her RU career to make the score 24-17.
- The Jaspers followed up with consecutive baskets to put the contest within one point, 24-23 and force an RU timeout at 7:22.
- Out of the break, Bates hit a jumper and Perkins scored on a highlight spin move to widen the gap for RU, 28-23.
- Both teams traded trips down the floor along with points, as the Scarlet Knights maintained a five-point edge with under three minutes to go.
- Rutgers finished out the half with four free throws and another pullup jumper from Perkins to take the 40-33 advantage into the locker room.
- Rutgers once again started the period strong, with layups from Lacey and Cornwell in addition to a big three from Bates to come out to halftime.
- Manhattan added five points as well in the opening two minutes to make it a nine-point game, 47-38.
- The teams traded field goals through the middle of the third quarter, but RU stayed on top, 50-42. Just before the 4:56 media timeout, the Jaspers used a layup to lessen the difference to six points.
- Cornwell stayed aggressive and focused, cashing in on her second three-point play of the night.
- Manhattan added four more points, but Adams got RU back on track with a reverse layup. Perkins, Thompson and Cornwell combined for five more points to make the score 60-51.
- After a Petticord three, Rutgers went into the final 10 minutes with the lead, 63-55.
- Petticord picked right back up, hitting another shot from beyond the arc to keep the offensive momentum going.
- The spark lit everyone on the floor, as Adams followed up with a steal and score in addition to a third and-one from Cornwell. The jolt helped the Scarlet Knights extended their lead to double digits, 72-61.
- RU did not let up, as Bates recorded a takeaway and Lacey hit a three to force a Manhattan timeout at 6:02. In the two-minute span prior, Rutgers outscored the Jaspers 11-2 to build the lead, 75-61.
- Manhattan did not go quietly, however, hitting a trio of threes in just over a minute, along with three free throws to put the match back within five points, 78-73.
- The Scarlet Knights fought back, netting five consecutive points, including an electric offensive rebound and put back from Cornwell.
- Both teams added points in the final minute of the contest, but Rutgers still came out on top, 85-79.
Gallery: (11-4-2024) Rutgers WBB vs. Manhattan
Knights Notes
- Cornwell's double-double marks the 13th of her career and the earliest in a season. Her 21 points signifies a career-high, besting her previous record of 18 points which was set in 2022. Her 15 rebounds are just three short of her career best.
- Lisa Thompson recorded her career high with nine rebounds. Her previous high of six was set last season against Saint Francis (Nov. 18) and at Wisconsin (Jan. 27).
- The Scarlet Knights out-rebounded the Jaspers 50-31, including a 18-9 difference off the offensive boards.
- Both Destiny Adams (7-8) and Zachara Perkins (3-4) were almost perfect from the free throw line.
- Adams recorded her first three-pointer since coming to Rutgers. She had previously hit two in a game three times when at UNC.
- Janae Walker provided an instant spark off the bench, ending with four rebounds, one for every minute she was on the floor.
- Antonia Bates led the team in blocks (2), assists (3) and steals (3). Adams also had three dimes and three takeaways while Perkins registered a trio of helpers as well.
- Rutgers has won the opening game in 11 of its last 13 seasons, dating back to the 2012-13 slate.
- RU owned the edge in points in the paint (42-28), second chance (20-5) and off the bench (37-5).
- Rutgers outscored Manhattan in all but the fourth quarter.
- The Scarlet Knights are now 4-0 all-time against the Jaspers.
Volume Up
Next Up
Rutgers will play the first four games of the 2024-25 season at home. Next up, RU will welcome Cornell to Jersey Mike's Arena on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
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