Rutgers Outmatched by No. 2 UCLA, But Young Core Shows Fight in Tough Road Loss
LOS ANGELES - It was always going to be a tall task for Rutgers women’s basketball to go into Pauley Pavilion and knock off No. 2-ranked UCLA. The Bruins, riding a dominant season, flexed their muscle early and never looked back, handing the Scarlet Knights an 86-46 loss on Wednesday night.
But even in a lopsided result, there were moments where Rutgers’ young core showed flashes of what could be - especially from beyond the arc.
Swann, Perkins Keep Fighting
Freshman guard Lauryn Swann continues to make her presence known. She led Rutgers with 14 points, hitting three shots from deep - the fifth time this season she’s knocked down multiple threes. It was her second time this year leading the team in scoring, and she did it against one of the best defensive units in the country.
Zachara Perkins added 13 points of her own, also drilling three from long range to match her career high. Since returning from a three-game absence, she’s been in rhythm, posting double-digit scoring in each of her three games back. For a team looking to build something for the future, seeing Perkins find her groove again is a big positive.
Early UCLA Run Sets the Tone
Rutgers actually opened the game with a three-pointer from Faith Blackstone, but that early lead was short-lived. UCLA responded with a commanding 15-0 run that forced a Scarlet Knights timeout just four minutes into the game. From there, the Bruins continued to push the pace, closing the first quarter on another 7-0 burst to take a 26-6 lead.
The second quarter saw Rutgers settle in a bit. Perkins knocked down a three, Blackstone added a contested layup, and Kaylah Ivey hit from deep to force a UCLA timeout midway through the frame.
Antonia Bates added a fast-break layup, and Rutgers' defense stepped up, holding the Bruins scoreless for over three minutes. But UCLA’s depth and size eventually wore down the Scarlet Knights, who trailed 40-19 at the break.
Third Quarter Surge Leaves Rutgers Reeling
Perkins got the scoring started in the third, but UCLA answered quickly with a three-point play and a layup. After a timeout, Swann hit a stepback three to try to stop the bleeding, but the Bruins kept coming. They closed the quarter on a 10-0 run, stretching their lead to 68-27 heading into the fourth.
Finishing Strong
To their credit, Rutgers didn’t fold. They came out in the fourth quarter with back-to-back buckets - a three from Perkins and a jumper from Swann - showing they weren’t going to go quietly. Kennedy Brandt also hit from deep, and Precious Gem Wheeler added a second-chance score late in the quarter.
In fact, Rutgers outscored UCLA 19-18 in the final frame - a small victory, but one that speaks to the team’s resilience.
Box Score Highlights
- Lauryn Swann: 14 points, 3 three-pointers - second time this season leading the team in scoring.
- Zachara Perkins: 13 points, 3 three-pointers - tied career high from deep; has scored in double figures in 13 games this season.
- Antonia Bates & Precious Gem Wheeler: 4 rebounds each - Bates has now led the team in rebounding in four straight games.
- Kaylah Ivey: 4 assists - her 15th game this season with at least three dimes.
What’s Next
Rutgers (9-14, 1-11 Big Ten) will look to regroup back home at Jersey Mike’s Arena when they host Minnesota on February 8. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. It’s another opportunity for this young Scarlet Knights squad to continue building chemistry and confidence as they navigate a tough Big Ten slate.
The scoreboard may not have been kind Wednesday night, but the fight - and the future - is still very much alive in Piscataway.