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Rutgers Women's Basketball: Dramatic Last Second Victory over Northwestern

By KellyMontagna
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

A great Big Ten matchup between Rutgers and Northwestern came down to the wire last night. The Rutgers women again defended their home court at the RAC, defeating the Wildcats 61-59.

Rutgers began hot, taking an 8-2 lead in the opening minutes of the game, but the contest remained close throughout the first half. Both teams went on short runs to pull ahead, but neither team was able to take a lead greater than six. At the half, Rutgers went into the locker room with a slight 27-24 lead.

At the beginning of the third quarter, the Scarlet Knights went on a 7-0 run led by guard Tyler Scaife for a 36-29 lead. Northwestern was able to battle back and tie up the score by the end of the third quarter, 44-44.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: #RHoops 44, Northwestern 44 - RU is 1-1 when tied heading into the 4th Quarter

— RU Women's Hoops (@RutgersWBB) February 11, 2016

Kahleah Copper opened up the fourth quarter with a three, but the Northwestern sharpshooters responded with their own back-to-back three's. After Copper responded with a strong drive in the paint to bring Rutgers within three, Scaife was able to even the score, at 56-56, with a huge three pointer of her own with just 41 seconds left.

Northwestern's Maggie Lyon responded knocking down a three pointer, but Scaife refused to be one upped. She followed up with another huge three point shot with just 11 seconds remaining.

WOW! @nuwbball and @RutgersWBB trading blows right now on BTN+ Check out these back to back 3s by Scaifeand Lyon! https://t.co/bMpDLZjsSn

— BTN Student U (@BTNStudentU) February 11, 2016

After Rachel Hollivay blocked Northwestern on the next possession, Scaife continued her incredible game, driving the lane and putting in the game winning lay up with just two seconds left. Rutgers held on for the dramatic 61-59 victory.

Scaife (24 points) and company played inspired basketball in Coach C. Vivian Stringer's emotional return to the court after the death of her mother last week. Click HERE for Coach Stringer's press conference following her team's dramatic and emotional victory.