Saturday evening, the Scarlet Knights (5-3) defeated the Georgia Southern Eagles at home, 77-66. It appeared Rutgers began to get their groove back as they had a massive third quarter, where the Scarlet Knights outscored the Eagles 22-5 and went on a dominant 17-0 run, helped propel RU ahead for their fifth win of the season on the final day of the Battle on the Banks tournament.
Kiyomi McMiller and JoJo Lacey each recorded a career-high 11 rebounds to go with 25 and 15 points, respectfully, for their first double-doubles as Scarlet Knights. Destiny Adams tied her personal best with six steals while Zachara Perkins grabbed a career-high eight boards off the bench.
Early in the game both teams began to trade baskets with one another, McMiller proved to set the tone for the entirety of the offense throughout the game. Her first points of the game came on a fast break jumper and a shot from beyond the arc. While McMiller proved to be unstoppable, the Eagles also caught fire and eventually went on a 8-0 run. Ultimately, giving them an early lead that appeared promising.
“Knowing that this was my first collegiate game playing back at home it really did feel special,” Georgia Southern guard Bukky Akinsola stated. “I was glad to see all my friends and family able to come out and cheer me on and it really was special to me!”
The Scarlet Knights had everyone contribute to their dominant victory over the Eagles. A victory in this fashion is exactly what the Scarlet Knights needed to build momentum as their schedule becomes stronger. Janae Walker, Adams and McMiller all scored in the final two minutes to help cut the Eagles lead down to one, but Georgia Southern went into the second quarter up, 18-17.
Key Contributions
McMiller recorded her first career double-double with 25 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. The performance marked McMiller's fourth outing with 20+ points and her sixth straight contest in double figures. McMiller also added six assists, to near the triple-double, two shy of her season best.
YOUTUBE
JoJo Lacey also tallied a double-double, the second of her career and first as a Scarlet Knight, thanks to a career-high 11 boards as well. Off the bench, Zachara Perkins quadrupled her previous high in rebounds, grabbing eight boards.
Looking Ahead
Sunday evening, Rutgers will open the Big Ten season at Wisconsin at the Kohl Center.