By John "Woods" Armwood III
Sunday afternoon, the Scarlet Knights after disappointing losses to Minnesota and No.4 USC, finally get star freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller to return to the lineup. In her return, McMiller doesn’t disappoint nor shy away from the moment. At halftime, she recorded 17 points of the overall team's 31 points. Despite trailing by five at the half, 36-31, the Scarlet Knights have reason to be optimistic and excited for the future in McMiller and building around her. Surprisingly on a Sunday, the arena was filled to the brim with joy and excitement surrounding this game. As the game progressed the fans helped alter the momentum, however it wasn’t enough as the Cornhuskers found a way to pull out the victory against the Scarlet Knights, 69-62.
“Their size is one of the things that makes them a tough matchup for anybody,” Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington stated. “They have good size and shoot the ball well, and they have a great balance of inside and outside production. … If there’s less of a discrepancy on the rebounds, I think the outcome of the game is a little bit different.”
Dominating on Both Ends
From the opening tip, McMiller's presence was felt. She displayed a remarkable combination of speed, skill, and court vision, making it clear that she was on a mission to dominate. Offensively, McMiller was nearly unstoppable, scoring at will. Her ability to create space with her dribbling, coupled with a smooth and efficient shooting stroke, left the Nebraska defense scrambling.
McMiller's scoring was not just limited to outside shooting; she was also aggressive in the paint, finishing strong through contact and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. She finished with a game-high 33 points, shooting 50% from the field showcasing her versatility as both a perimeter shooter and an inside scorer.
But it wasn’t just her offensive play that stood out. McMiller's defense was equally impressive. She relentlessly hounded Nebraska's ball handlers, using her quickness to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. Her ability to read the game and anticipate the opposition's next move allowed her to rack up three steals, all of which led to fast-break opportunities for her team.
Leadership and Poise Under Pressure
What was most impressive about McMiller's performance was her poise in critical moments. Nebraska, known for their aggressive defense and fast-paced play, mounted several runs throughout the game, but McMiller never lost her composure. She handled the ball with confidence, running the offense efficiently and ensuring that her team maintained control of the game. With Nebraska closing the gap late in the third quarter, McMiller responded with a timely three-pointer followed by a beautiful assist to a teammate for an easy layup, effectively halting any momentum the Cornhuskers had built.
Her leadership on the floor was also evident in her communication and ability to rally her teammates. Whether it was directing traffic during a fast break or encouraging players after a tough play, McMiller's vocal presence was key to her team's success.
“This was an effort where our team fought, we fought on both ends,” Washington continued. “Everyone who stepped on the floor had an impact, regardless of the stat sheet. … I think we can become more efficient on both ends of the floor, but I’m pleased with the resilience that we showed tonight.”
Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet
While McMiller's statistics were impressive, her overall impact went beyond what appeared in the box score. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play made her an invaluable asset to her team. When Nebraska attempted to slow things down, McMiller pushed the pace, keeping the pressure on the Cornhuskers and never allowing them to settle into their defensive sets.
Additionally, McMiller's off-ball movement and ability to screen for teammates opened up scoring opportunities for others. Her unselfish play and court awareness were crucial in helping her team maintain a balanced attack.
The Road Ahead
McMiller’s performance against Nebraska is a testament to her growing confidence and all-around skill set. As her college career progresses, she continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate basketball landscape. With her ability to both score and facilitate, McMiller is quickly becoming a player to watch, not just in her conference, but on the national stage.
As her team moves forward in the season, McMiller's leadership and outstanding play will be key factors in their pursuit of a championship. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the future is bright for this rising star.
On Tuesday night, the Scarlet Knights take on the Spartans at home.