Although the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2) got off to an amazing start to the season by winning their first two home games, the past two games they’ve fallen short by double-digit margins. That said, the Scarlet Knights managed to handle business here at home against the St. Francis Red Flash (0-3) by defeating them comfortably, 81-51. This win was huge and has sent joy through the locker rooms, however Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington believes they can continue to improve and be better.
“I think we can be better, it’s the thing we talked about after the game,” Washington stated. “Today, we did a lot of good things, and these two [Jillian Huerter and Lisa Thompson] definitely got a chance to get out there and build some comfortability.”
“We can be better and that’s the task for us, we can get a little bit better, especially with our ball security and defensively,” Washington continues.
What Went Well for the Scarlet Knights?
The Scarlet Knights began the game with high energy as they were motivated to turn their season back in the right direction. Naturally, their play and intensity within the valuable aspects of the game were put on display. Today, there was an emphasis on rebounding and not allowing second-chance opportunities to go to the opposing team. Throughout the first quarter, the Scarlet Knights managed to secure 14 rebounds ranging from their guards and forwards.
Another key to today’s win was the impressive performance of the Scarlet Knights bench. The bench accounted for 37 points as they were granted more minutes throughout the game. When asked, Washington emphasized their improvements in practice are leading to more trust in them, therefore allowing them to play freely in bigger games.
“They’re getting better in practice, it’s all that we see in practice,” Washington explained in great detail. “They’re beginning to get more comfortable and confident in practice. Today, I was hopeful that it would come together for them and it did.”
Always find a way 🤩
📺 @BigTenPlus
📊 https://t.co/BZeAILUMRy#GoRU | #RUWBB pic.twitter.com/6jEzc1Ldce— Rutgers W.Basketball (@RutgersWBB) November 18, 2023
Jillian Huerter Becoming Sharpshooter
Throughout the season, the freshman Jillian Huerter, cousin of NBA guard Kevin Huerter of the Sacramento Kings, has slowly progressed into a potential weapon for the Scarlet Knights. On Saturday, Huerter shot five for eight from the floor, including five for seven from the three-point line to record 15 points and one block in the game .
“Moving forward, they’re very important weapons and it definitely opens up the floor for our inside play,” Washington spoke on the impact of Huerter’s shooting. “When you’re able to put four to five scorers on the floor at a time it puts a little bit more pressure on the defense.”
“We want to let them continue to grow with their confidence and be impactful while making it tough for our opponents moving forward,” she continues.
We LOVE a good bench celly 🥳
📺 @BigTenPlus
📊 https://t.co/BZeAILUMRy #GoRU | #RUWBB pic.twitter.com/J9o47eVna2— Rutgers W.Basketball (@RutgersWBB) November 18, 2023
What’s Next for the Scarlet Knights?
The following game against the Fairfield Stags will be played on Rutgers’s home floor, Jersey Mikes Arena. On November 19th, the Scarlet Knights will look to build on the momentum from the previous game. The following seven games will take place on the Scarlet Knights's home floor, ultimately giving them an opportunity to build momentum before heading to Princeton on December 14th.
- Disappointing Season Finale for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights - November 27, 2023
- Derek Simpson wills Rutgers to dominating victory over Howard - November 20, 2023
- Rebounding by Committee for the Scarlet Knights Helps Secure Victory at Home - November 19, 2023
