PISCATAWAY, N.J. – On January 8, the Rutgers women’s basketball team (8-7, 0-4 B1G) will face Minnesota (15-1, 3-1 B1G), which is currently receiving votes in the AP poll. The game is set to tip off at 8 p.m. (ET) and will be streamed on B1G+ and Fox Sports NJ.
The entire 2024-25 season for the Rutgers women’s basketball team is proudly sponsored by Prudential.
Last Game Recap
In their most recent outing, the Scarlet Knights faced a tough challenge against No. 4/5 USC (14-1, 4-0 B1G), resulting in a 92-42 defeat at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sunday. JoJo Lacey led the team with 14 points and four rebounds, while Destiny Adams notched a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals.
Destiny Adams Shines
Destiny Adams continues to impress as Big Ten play intensifies. After the opening week of the season, she received the Big Ten Player of the Week honor (Nov. 11), was named one of the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Players of the Week, and earned an AP Player of the Week Honorable Mention.
Adams delivered a historic performance against NJIT on November 10, scoring a career-high 36 points and collecting 22 rebounds. Notably, she also made headlines during the 2024 Big Ten Tournament, where she scored 33 points and hauled in 24 rebounds. Adams became the first player in Rutgers program history to achieve a 30+ points and 20+ rebounds double-double in a regular-season game in over a decade.
Her impressive 36-point outing ties the record for Jersey Mike’s Arena, initially set by Arella Guirantes in 2020, and Adams ranks tied for 8th in the program’s history for most points in a single game. Additionally, she scored 30 points with 15 boards against Cornell, becoming the first Scarlet Knight since Sue Wicks in 1988 to have back-to-back games of 30+ points.
Alumni Success
The Rutgers women’s basketball program proudly celebrated three remarkable alumni: Kahleah Copper won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games, Benijah Laney-Hamilton captured the 2024 WNBA Championship with the New York Liberty, and Cappie Pondexter was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 Class.
Copper played a crucial role in securing Team USA’s eighth consecutive gold medal, scoring 12 points in the championship game against France. Laney-Hamilton contributed significantly to the Liberty’s historic championship, showcasing her skills throughout the series.
Pondexter, a standout player for Rutgers from 2001-06, was a four-time All-American, two-time WNBA champion, and seven-time All-Star. Her contributions to women’s basketball remain profound, and she continues to inspire young athletes.
Upcoming Challenges
Rutgers is preparing for a challenging season in the Big Ten, with several ranked opponents on their schedule. As of December 31, the Scarlet Knights will compete against seven teams recognized in the AP and WBCA USA Today polls, alongside three others receiving votes.
- No. 1/1 UCLA
- No. 4/5 USC
- No. 8/7 Maryland
- No. 9/10 Ohio State
- No. 20/21 Michigan State
- No. 23/22 Iowa
- No. 25/– Michigan
- –/RV Nebraska
- –/RV Illinois
- RV/– Minnesota
- RV/– Washington
Team Roster Updates
The Scarlet Knights welcome back seven players this season, including Destiny Adams, Lisa Thompson, Mya Petticord, Antonia Bates, Awa Sidibe, Kennedy Brandt, and Chyna Cornwell. Together, they have combined for 125 games started, 1,267 points, and 721 rebounds over the past season.
New Additions
Head coach Coquese Washington has integrated two transfers, two freshmen, and one walk-on to the squad. Graduate student JoJo Lacey joins from Boston College, and sophomore Janae Walker transfers from Kentucky. Additionally, freshmen Kiyomi McMiller and Zachara Perkins are new to the team, alongside walk-on junior Deja Young.
McMiller, a five-star recruit, excelled at Life Center Academy in New Jersey, averaging 30.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in her senior year. Perkins had a standout season leading her high school team to multiple championships while averaging 18.6 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Coaching Staff Updates
In addition to new players, Coach Washington has expanded her coaching staff, bringing on Johnetta Hayes as an assistant coach and Will McIntire as the director of scouting and technology. Alejandro Ramirez has been appointed interim director of basketball operations. Hayes previously led UMBC to significant improvements, positioning her as a valuable asset to the program.
Broadcast Schedule
Rutgers will be showcased six times on major networks like the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports 1 this season, featuring matchups against top competitors.
- Friday, Nov. 29 vs. Marquette – 2 p.m. (BTN)
- Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. USC – 8 p.m. (BTN)
- Saturday, Jan. 18 at Michigan – 12 p.m. (BTN)
- Thursday, Jan. 23 vs. UCLA – 7 p.m. (FS1)
- Thursday, Feb. 6 at Indiana – 6 p.m. (BTN)
- Monday, Feb. 17 vs. Northwestern – 8 p.m. (BTN)
Scouting Minnesota
As the game against Minnesota approaches, fans can expect a formidable opponent. The Gophers began their season with an impressive record, with their only loss coming against RV Nebraska. Minnesota is currently riding a wave of momentum, securing victories against several Big Ten rivals, including Penn State, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Key players for Minnesota include Mara Braun (13.6 PPG), Annika Stewart (11.6 PPG), Grace Grocholski (10.6 PPG), and Tori McKinney (10.3 PPG). Defensive leader Mallory Heyer contributes with an average of 7.0 rebounds per game.
Looking Forward
After the matchup against Minnesota, Rutgers will return to Jersey Mike’s Arena for the Letterwinner & National Girls and Women in Sports Day on January 12 against Nebraska, with a tip-off time set for 2 p.m.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on Rutgers women’s basketball, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersWBB) and like them on Facebook. For broader Rutgers Athletics news, connect on Twitter (@RUAthletics), Instagram (@RUAthletics), and Facebook. Don’t forget to download the Gameday App for additional updates.
