The Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s Basketball Team(8-7, 0-4 Big Ten) dropped their third game in a row in a 92-42 loss to No. 4 ranked USC Trojans (14-1, 4-0 Big Ten) before a nearly sold-out Jersey Mike’s Arena crowd of 7,356.
JoJo Lacey paced Rutgers, scoring 14 points, while Destiny Adams chipped in with 10.
“JoJo was very aggressive and really proud of her fight and tenacity,” Rutgers Head Coach Coquese Washington explained. “She’s a person on this team that has operated under the radar, and game in and out, she’s found a way to get rebounds, getting deflections, and hitting big shots.” “She’s been playing with a lot of confidence and a big impact for us and hopefully we can continue to get that out of her throughout conference play.”
However, the Scarlet Knights were shorthanded against a potent USC squad that entered the contest having won nine games in a row and led by start JuJU Watkins, ranked third in the NCAA in scoring at 25.3 while Kiki Iriafen tallying 18.1 points per game and leading rebounder with 9.1 per game and a Trojans team averaging 89.3 points per game.
Freshman sensation guard and leading scorer Kiyomi McMiller was not in the lineup due to a coach’s decision. Her absence was keenly felt, as McMiller, who averages 19.9 points per game, is a two-time Big Ten Freshman Player of the Week and has two 30-point games this season. Her scoring prowess and on-court leadership were missed, contributing to the team’s struggle against the USC Trojans.
“With Kiyomi we’re going to keep it internal,” Head Coach Coquese Washington stated. “I read a post by the Kansas State Men’s Basketball Head Coach at a recent press conference, and he talked about his faith and how he sees coaching as a ministry and what he does leading and connecting with the young men on his team, springs from his perceptions and understanding.”
“Coaching is not just about what happens on the court on game day and it’s about how we impact these women in our program, in all aspects from character to their growth into womanhood to their decision making.” “I see my role as a coach, more than X’s and O’s and wins and losses but how I’m impacting the women in my care and that’s always going to be first and foremost and the decision making that goes into this program.”
“It’s about defining character, growing young people and as we deal with different circumstances and situations.” “For me is how we impact these young people and how to use my program and role as head coach to grow teenagers into young women.”
“We’re going to keep the specifics and everything internal and I’m never going to turn down an opportunity and use this position into having than other having an impact on young women’s lives.”
Once the game got underway, USC wasted no time jumping out to a 7-0 advantage in the first quarter. The Trojans quickly boosted the margin to double digits at 13-3 with less than five minutes remaining after JuJu Watkins buried two trifectas. By the time the period ended, the Trojans extended the lead to 22-8.
USC shot 44 percent from the field compared to an ice-cold 18 percent for Rutgers, dominating the boards at 17-7, controlling points in the paint 8-2, and second chance 7-3.
The scoring output decreased significantly in the second quarter as the teams combined for 21 points, but the Trojans held a commanding 37-14 lead at halftime.
“Early on we got some good stops but we didn’t capitalize on the offensive end and gave them life,” Head Coach Coquese Washington described. “As successful as they have been this year and coming into this year, they get confidence pretty quickly with their defense creating turnovers and getting in transition.”
Coming out of the locker room for the third quarter, USC exploded with a 12-0 blitz and continued to pour it on as the third quarter proceeded. The Trojans’ full-court press defense was wreaking havoc, causing the Scarlet Knights to turn the ball over repeatedly.
At one point, USC held a massive edge in points off turnovers 31-2 and netted 23 fast-break points. The Trojans continued to pile on points in points in the paint and rebounds. By the time the period ended, USC was up 69-25 and eventually coasted to the victory. JuJu Watkins led the Trojans by posting a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds.Kennedy Smith supplied 19 points, while Kiki Iriafen added 14 points.
USC’s length and athleticism impacted the game, and they were able to get into their press and hands on the ball, getting deflections and getting going in transition,” Head Coach Coquese Washington noted. “They shot the ball very well, especially in transition and three balls.” They’re tough when they’re playing with that connection on both ends of the floor.”
The Scarlet Knights return to action on Wednesday, January 8th, when they will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-1, 3-1 Big Ten) at the Williams Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST.
Head Coach Coquese Washington’s message to the team is clear: in the face of adversity, we must respond with determination. ‘We have to take care of the ball better, execute in all phases, especially screening and cutting, and make shots on all fronts,’ she remarked, instilling hope for the team’s future performances.
“My message to the team is when you hit adversity you have to respond to that in a number of ways.” “This has been a tough week, and I don’t know many other teams with the schedule whether intentionally or unintentionally playing three top ten teams in a row and week and that is tough.” “It just gets harder and harder each game and you go from ten to eight to four and that’s not easy for anybody.”
“We’re still working to get our feet under us, we were playing shorthanded tonight and the way we respond to adversity is with championship DNA that is in us, and We Are Rutgers.” “You walk into our arena and take a look at those banners and all the people that came behind you and made the place into one of the most storied women’s basketball programs in the history of the game and you don’t walk away from the challenge, and you get back in there and fight.”
“You dig deep down and find and gets you to compete for that next game.” “It’s been a hard week, but we’ll get back and be better the next night.”