Scarlet Knights Can’t Survive the Illini in Overtime
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Scarlet Knights Can’t Survive the Illini in Overtime

By John "Woods" Armwood III

Thursday night, the Scarlet Knights suffered a heartbreaking loss in overtime after a hard-fought battle against the Illinois Illini, 69-65. In the thriller matchup, both teams had multiple lead changes and pivotal moments in the game. That said, the crowd played a large part in the momentum shifts throughout the game for the Scarlet Knights. Early in the game, the Scarlet Knights found their rhythm and got off to an extremely hot start, ultimately leading the Illini, 20-15. While maintaining the lead, the Scarlet Knights managed to do so without star forward Destiny Adams, due to her foul troubles. 

After the game, Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington was asked about Adam’s passion and if it can be seen as a concern, due to her consistent foul trouble throughout the season. Washington responded:

“I wouldn’t ask Destiny to play with any less passion or emotion ever because that is what makes her the player that she is. Sometimes you get tough calls and breaks in terms of the way the game is being called, just as easily some of those fouls her counterparts could have been called for fouls as well. …That’s part of the game, if she gets in foul trouble we need other people to step up.”

RU WBB vs. Illinois

“I wouldn’t ask Destiny to play with any less passion or emotion ever because that makes her the player she is. Sometimes you get tough calls and breaks in terms of the way the game is being called, ... That’s part of the game, ... we need other people to step up.”@RutgersWBB pic.twitter.com/mPmbYuUmSx —  John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) January 31, 2025

Positives for the Scarlet Knights

One of the biggest standouts is how dominant Adam’s truly is on the court, despite barely playing the first half, due to foul trouble. In 20 minutes, she managed 19 points, six rebounds, and five steals. When Adam’s and star freshman Kiyomi McMiller are on the same page they’re an absolute matchup nightmare for opposing teams. McMiller recorded 22 points and seven rebounds electrically. Yet, this wasn’t enough to surpass the Illini.

Another positive for the Scarlet Knights was their defensive efforts, ultimately causing 17 turnovers and outsourcing the Illini in the third quarter, 17-9. This was a pivotal moment in the game for the Scarlet Knights, however they couldn’t sustain the momentum. 

“We’re continuing to grow within our defense, having Awa [Sidbe] get some games under her belt is helping us,” Washington continued. “ … As our defense continues to solidify itself down the stretch of the season, I think that’ll help us when we have the offensive flaws.”

What’s Next for Rutgers?

RU will have a week between games as the team will travel to Indiana for a midweek contest on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. 

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