In a spirited contest at Piscataway, the Rutgers women's basketball team put up a valiant fight against Indiana, ultimately falling 79-69 in their final home game of the 2025-26 season. Despite their overall record, the Scarlet Knights showed heart and hustle, leading for most of the game and only trailing for a little over five minutes in total. With seven lead changes and eight ties, it was a nail-biter until the end.
Zachara Perkins led the charge for Rutgers with 15 points, marking her sixth time leading the team in scoring this season. She was joined in double figures by Lauryn Swann and Nene Ndiaye, each contributing 14 points. Imani Lester and Kaylah Ivey chipped in with 10 points apiece, showcasing the balanced offensive attack that kept Rutgers competitive.
The game kicked off with Rutgers taking an early lead, thanks to quick baskets from Ivey and Lester. The Scarlet Knights went on a 7-0 run, forcing Indiana to call an early timeout. The Hoosiers responded with a couple of three-pointers, but Rutgers kept their composure, ending the first quarter with a 22-17 lead.
Indiana opened the second quarter with a burst, tying the game at 22. Ndiaye's free throws put Rutgers back on top, and Swann's steady hand at the line kept them ahead. By halftime, the Scarlet Knights held a slim 34-30 advantage, thanks to a late 4-0 run.
The third quarter saw Swann and Perkins hit back-to-back threes, but Indiana clawed back with a seven-point run of their own. Ndiaye's five-point spurt helped Rutgers regain control, and they entered the final quarter up 56-52.
In the fourth, Indiana came out firing, quickly closing the gap and eventually taking the lead. Despite Rutgers' efforts, including a combined four points from Swann and Ndiaye, the Hoosiers pulled away with a decisive 8-0 run, sealing the victory.
Perkins' performance was a highlight, as she reached double figures for the 17th time this season. Ndiaye, leading the team with 21 games in double figures, was perfect from the line, hitting all seven of her free throws. Rutgers' defensive effort was notable too, with 13 steals compared to Indiana's four, showcasing their tenacity.
As the Scarlet Knights prepare to face Nebraska to close out their regular season, they'll look to build on the positives from this game, particularly their strong free throw shooting and defensive pressure. The matchup on Saturday promises to be another opportunity for Rutgers to showcase their resilience and teamwork.