Rutgers
0-0,0-0Big Ten
Caldwell
0-0,0-0CACC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell | 13 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 49 |
| Rutgers | 32 | 20 | 29 | 23 | 104 |
Oct 30 | Women's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers women's basketball opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion, cruising to a 104-49 exhibition victory over Caldwell on Friday night at Jersey Mike's Arena.
The Scarlet Knights featured a balanced offensive attack, with five players reaching double-digits. Freshman Chikae Desdunes led all scorers with 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers. She also added 10 steals to secure a double-double. In addition, both Tara Daye (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Jaylah Lampley (14 points, 10 rebounds) posted double-doubles against the Cougars.
Mia Pauldo showed out in her first game back in New Jersey, adding 11 points and four assists, while Lauryn Swann contributed 10 points. Pauldo also paced the team with five assists.
Rutgers immediately established control, opening the contest with 32 points in the first quarter to take a 19-point advantage. Desdunes provided an early spark from beyond the arc off the bench, connecting on four three-pointers in the opening period. RU's bench gave a solid effort all around, contributing 53 points to the opponent's 29.
Chikae showing everyone what we saw all preseason 👌 #GoRU | #RUWBB https://t.co/goAEpLSZHM
— Rutgers Women's Basketball (@RutgersWBB) October 31, 2026
RU continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, outscoring Caldwell 20-11 to take a 52-24 advantage into halftime. Rutgers' defensive intensity created opportunities in transition, helping the home team build its lead throughout the opening half.
Rutgers maintained its momentum after the break, pouring on 29 points in the third quarter before closing out the contest with 23 points in the fourth.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights forced 31 Caldwell turnovers, recording 23 steals while turning those opportunities into 39 points off turnovers. Rutgers also controlled the glass, outrebounding Caldwell 49-28, including 19 offensive boards.
Rutgers also ran the floor well, recording 39 fast break points to Caldwell's one.
RU shot 53.1 percent (34-of-64) from the field, including 50 percent (11-of-22) from three-point range. The Scarlet Knights also held Caldwell to 26.5 percent shooting (13-of-49).
All 14 Scarlet Knights saw the floor on Friday, with 12 finding their way into the scoring column.
Rutgers officially opens the 2026-27 regular season and the Gary Redus II era on Monday, Nov. 2, hosting LIU at Jersey Mike's Arena for a 7 p.m. tip.
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