Rutgers women’s basketball secured a 57-39 victory over Saint Peter’s on Sunday in Piscataway, improving their season record to 7-2. The Scarlet Knights maintained the lead throughout the game and used an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to build an 18-point advantage, their largest of the night.
Nene Ndiaye, Imani Lester, and Janae Walker each scored 12 points for Rutgers. Lester and Imani Walker also led the team with seven rebounds apiece. The team outperformed Saint Peter’s on the boards, finishing with a 41-27 rebounding edge. This marks Rutgers’ seventh win without a loss when outrebounding opponents this season.
The game began with Rutgers taking a quick 5-0 lead after a layup and three-point play by Lester. By the end of the first quarter, Rutgers held a 16-7 advantage. Saint Peter’s narrowed the gap early in the second period, but Ndiaye ended their run with a three-pointer. A late surge before halftime gave Rutgers a nine-point lead at intermission.
In the third quarter, both teams traded baskets before Rutgers reestablished control with key plays from Walker and Ndiaye. The Peacocks managed to reduce the deficit to seven points late in the third period, but Rutgers responded quickly to maintain its edge.
The final quarter saw Perkins and Kaylah Ivey combine for four points that pushed Rutgers back into double digits. Ndiaye and Ivey contributed to a 9-0 run that was extended by Perkins after a timeout. Despite some scoring from Saint Peter’s late in the game, Rutgers closed strong for an 18-point win.
Afterward, several individual milestones were noted:
Nene Ndiaye has now scored in double figures for nine consecutive games and leads Rutgers with an average of 16.9 points per game.
Imani Lester recorded her sixth game this season with at least ten points.
Kaylah Ivey reached double digits for just the second time this year.
Both Ndiaye and Ivey made two three-pointers; Ivey has hit multiple threes in seven games so far.
Rutgers limited Saint Peter’s to just seven points in both the first and fourth quarters—marking six periods this season where they have held opponents under ten points.
Rutgers will begin Big Ten Conference play against Iowa on Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m., airing on Fox Sports 1.
For updates on Rutgers women’s basketball, fans can follow @RutgersWBB on Twitter and Instagram or visit www.facebook.com/RutgersWBB. Updates about all Rutgers Athletics are available via @RUAthletics on social media platforms and through their Gameday App.
