Rutgers women’s basketball secured a 79-56 win over Northeastern at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey on Friday night. The victory brings Rutgers’ season record to 6-2, while Northeastern falls to 3-5.
Nene Ndiaye led the Scarlet Knights with her first career double-double, tallying 19 points and 10 rebounds. Imani Lester added 16 points, Zachara Perkins contributed 13, and Faith Blackstone scored 11. Four Rutgers players reached double-digit points for the second time this season.
The Scarlet Knights established an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. They led by as much as 26 points at the end of the third quarter and never trailed after scoring the opening basket.
“Nene Ndiaye recorded her first career double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds,” according to Rutgers Athletics. “The junior forward has reached double-digits in eight straight contests and 20+ three times. She paces RU with 17.5 points per game.”
Imani Lester’s performance marked her second highest point total of the season, and Kaylah Ivey registered five assists for the third time this year. Faith Blackstone made her second start for Rutgers, posting a season-best in points (11), along with six rebounds and two assists.
Rutgers was effective from the free throw line, making 26 trips compared to Northeastern’s ten attempts. Lester was perfect from the line (6-for-6), as was Blackstone (4-for-4). The team is now 5-1 when it gets more free throw opportunities than its opponent.
Defensively, Rutgers forced Northeastern into 20 turnovers for a second consecutive game, converting those into 22 points. On rebounding, they held a decisive advantage with a total of 43 boards compared to Siena’s* (*the correct opponent is likely Northeastern) *28; they are undefeated this season when out-rebounding their opponents.
Rutgers also brought down 20 offensive rebounds for their second outing with at least that many on the offensive glass this year. The team matched its season high by hitting seven three-pointers, with Ndiaye, Perkins, and Antonia Bates each making two.
Next up for Rutgers is a matchup against Saint Peter’s on November 30 at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The game will be presented by Rutgers Business School and televised on Big Ten Network.
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