The Rutgers women’s basketball team began its 2025-26 season with a win over Wagner, finishing the game 79-50 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Four Scarlet Knights scored in double figures and four players collected at least six rebounds.
Imani Lester led Rutgers with 17 points and eight rebounds. Kaylah Ivey contributed 13 points and eight assists. Zachara Perkins added 11 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Janae Walker also recorded a career-high nine points.
Rutgers took control early in the game after Nene Ndiaye scored the team’s first basket of the season. The Scarlet Knights built a lead through three-point shooting by Ivey, Lester, and Ndiaye, going up 15-4 in the first quarter. By halftime, Rutgers led Wagner 35-15.
In the third quarter, Lester, Perkins and Lauryn Swann helped extend the advantage with a 10-3 run. Rutgers maintained a dominant lead throughout the second half. Deja Young made an early three-pointer in the final quarter as Rutgers kept up their offensive pace.
Makylah Moore scored her first collegiate points late in the game as all 12 active players saw court time for Rutgers and ten different players registered points.
According to team statistics from Monday’s game, Rutgers outrebounded Wagner (54-44), had more assists (15-7), steals (14-7) and blocks (4-3). The Scarlet Knights forced 23 turnovers from Wagner and converted those into 22 points.
The victory continues a trend for Rutgers women’s basketball; they have now won their season opener in twelve of their last fourteen seasons—including each year since 2017-18—and remain undefeated against Wagner with a 9-0 record all-time.
Antonia Bates returned to play after missing most of last season due to injury. Freshmen Precious Gem Wheeler and Makylah Moore both recorded their first career baskets during this contest.
Rutgers will continue its opening week homestand against Quinnipiac on Thursday before facing Stony Brook on Sunday.
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