Rutgers women’s basketball fell 76–56 at Illinois on Tuesday night, as a decisive middle stretch carried the Illini past the Scarlet Knights in Big Ten play. The Illini outscored the Scarlet Knights 46-21 in the second and third quarters, which allowed Ilinois to pull away for good in the game.
Rutgers slipped to 9–17 overall and 1–14 in conference action, while Illinois strengthened its postseason profile behind a balanced offensive performance and interior dominance from its frontcourt. The Scarlet
Knights kept the game tight early but were unable to match Illinois’ scoring efficiency through the second and third quarters, when the Illini created separation that ultimately decided the contest.
Rutgers opened with defensive energy and controlled tempo, holding Illinois to just two field goals in the first quarter. Nene Ndiaye orchestrated the early offense and the Scarlet Knights stayed within one possession much of the period before Illinois edged ahead 14–12. The Illini’s ability to draw fouls and convert at the line prevented Rutgers from gaining an early lead despite the strong defensive start.
Illinois seized control in the second quarter behind efficient half-court execution and interior scoring from Cearah Parchment. Rutgers’ offense stalled during a prolonged scoring lull, and Illinois capitalized with a 21–9 period to take a 35–21 halftime advantage. Zachara Perkins provided Rutgers’ most consistent first-half production with scoring and rebounding, but the Scarlet Knights struggled to generate clean perimeter looks against Illinois’ length.
The game turned decisively after halftime. Illinois’ ball movement and rebounding overwhelmed Rutgers in the third quarter, as Berry Wallace and Parchment powered a 25-point frame that pushed the lead beyond 25. Illinois controlled the glass and converted second-chance opportunities, extending the margin to 60–33 entering the final period.
Rutgers showed late resilience in the fourth quarter, producing its most efficient offensive stretch of the night. Faith Blackstone scored nine of her team-high 13 points in the period as the Scarlet Knights attacked the paint and found transition chances. Rutgers outscored Illinois 23–16 in the quarter, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Parchment finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead Illinois, while Wallace added 21 points and Destiny Jackson distributed eight assists. Blackstone’s 13 points led the Knights, while Ndiaye was the only other scorer in double figures with 10, although Imani Lester scored nine in her return to action off the bench.
Illinois shot 46 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while forcing 18 Rutgers turnovers. The Illini also held a 39–33 rebounding edge, advantages that underscored the decisive second- and third-quarter surge.
Rutgers returns home still searching for its second Big Ten win as the Scarlet Knights continue their rebuilding season under head coach Coquese Washington. A massive rematch against Penn State is scheduled for Saturday at 4 PM on Big Ten Network.
To support me and my work, please follow @arnavsarkar100 on X!
