The Scarlet Knights took care of business at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois today by defeating the Indiana Hoosiers, 63-52. Rutgers advances to the next round to face fourth-seeded Northwestern.
The Big 3 paved the way for a big win for the Knights' first game in the Big Ten Tournament. Betnijah Laney collected an incredible 15 rebounds as RU outrebounded Indiana for most of the game until the Hoosiers racked up bunch during garbage time. Tyler Scaife returned to form after struggling for a couple of games and scored 14 points. Kahleah Copper rounded out the scorers in double digits with 16 points on 7-11 shooting.
The Hoosiers' Tyra Buss kept Indiana in the game by making several trips to the charity stripe in the first half (11-12 from the line), but eventually Rutgers' athleticism took over in the second. A couple of IU three-pointers within the 10 minute mark in the first half cut Indiana's deficit to four at 26-30, but Rutgers ended the Hoosiers' run and punctuated a strong finish into halftime with a buzzer-beating three from Cynthia Hernandez. Rutgers led 37-28 at the intermission and coasted to an easy victory.
With the win, Rutgers advances to the next round and looks to get revenge on a Wildcats squad that posted a 20-point victory over the Knights on February 26. (5) Rutgers v. (4) Northwestern tips at approximately 3:00 PM on March 6.
For score updates and the 2015 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament schedule, click here.