Rutgers
1-0,0-0Big Ten
LIU
0-1,0-0NEC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIU | 12 | 11 | 11 | 18 | 52 |
| Rutgers | 22 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 83 |
Nov 02 | Women's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers women's basketball (1-0) opened the 2026-27 campaign Monday night, earning an 83-52 victory over LIU (0-1) at Jersey Mike's Arena. The Scarlet Knights used a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring attack to secure the season-opening win.
Mia Pauldo recorded a full stat line in her first game "On The Banks," leading all scorers with 21 points, while also adding seven rebounds, five assists and six steals. Zachara Perkins reached double figures with 11 points and six rebounds, while Imani Lester contributed 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.
Now who's cookin' 😏🔥 #GoRU | #RUWBB https://t.co/CKARpfTlrb
— Rutgers Women's Basketball (@RutgersWBB) November 3, 2026
Freshman Chikae Desdunes came off the bench to add eight points, knocking down two three-pointers, and Tara Daye also finished with eight points.
Rutgers opened the game with an early defensive stand, forcing turnovers and converting them into points on the other end. After LIU briefly took a 9-8 lead midway through the first quarter, the Scarlet Knights responded with a 14-3 run to close the period. Desdunes connected from beyond the arc during the stretch, while Pauldo and Lester helped fuel the offensive surge. Rutgers carried a 22-12 advantage into the second quarter.
The Scarlet Knights continued to build their lead in the second, outscoring LIU 23-11. Lester opened the quarter with a layup, and Tara Daye added a pair of fast-break free throws to extend the margin. Jaylah Lampley knocked down a three-pointer off an offensive rebound, while Daye and Zennia Thomas added baskets as Rutgers pushed its advantage to 22 points. Pauldo's late first-half jumper sent the Scarlet Knights into the break ahead, 45-23.
Corner 👌 #GoRU | #RUWBB https://t.co/D8kDEozhEW
— Rutgers Women's Basketball (@RutgersWBB) November 3, 2026
Rutgers maintained control after halftime, opening the third quarter with a 12-2 run to stretch the lead. Mia Pauldo converted on a three-point play, while Perkins added a second-chance basket. Mya Pauldo connected from three-point range, and Lampley and Lester added baskets to help Rutgers build a 32-point edge. The Scarlet Knights led 64-34 heading into the final period.
The Rutgers defense continued to create opportunities in the fourth quarter. Mia Pauldo recorded back-to-back steals early in the period, setting up a Perkins fast-break layup and a Pauldo three-pointer. The Scarlet Knights extended their lead to as many as 36 points before closing out the 83-52 victory.
Mia being Mia 👌 #GoRU | #RUWBB https://t.co/Vxo41VCGcS
— Rutgers Women's Basketball (@RutgersWBB) November 3, 2026
Rutgers finished with 18 steals and forced 33 LIU turnovers, turning those opportunities into 42 points. The Scarlet Knights also held advantages in points in the paint (34-18), second-chance points (22-5) and fast-break points (21-14). Rutgers outrebounded LIU, 47-39, and won the battle off the offensive glass, 28-10.
UP NEXT
Rutgers continues its season-opening homestand Wednesday, Nov. 5, hosting La Salle at Jersey Mike's Arena for a 7 p.m. tip.
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