Rutgers women's basketball hosts pair of New Jersey rivals this weekend
The Rutgers women’s basketball team is facing off against New Jersey rivals Seton Hall and NJIT this weekend at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Livingston Campus. The Scarlet Knights (1-0, 0-0) will take the stage against the Pirates (1-0, 0-0) today at 7 p.m. and against the Highlanders (1-0, 0-0) on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Rutgers is coming off its first win of the season against Hofstra on Monday. At the end of the 40 minutes, the Knights came out on top in a 73-68 final against the Pride (0-1, 0-0).
In this new era of women’s basketball at Rutgers, there is a lot to look forward to. With a new head coach in Coquese Washington, the Knights are looking to rebound from last season. With a small roster of only eight players — five of them being new students at Rutgers — there is plenty of work to be done.
But things are looking up for the Knights after their first game. In their matchup against Hofstra on Monday, senior guards Awa Sidibe and Kai Carter each had 16 points apiece, showing their early promise this season, with an additional three players each hitting the double-digit mark.
Seton Hall will travel to Piscataway for the team’s first weekend matchup tonight. The Pirates are coming off of their season-opening win against Saint Peter’s, where they beat the Peacocks (0-1, 0-0) by more than 30 points.
Sidney Cooks and Sha’Lynn Hagans were the leaders for Seton Hall in their last match, each putting up 16 points for the Pirates. These two will be a pair that the Rutgers defense will have to look out for.
Meanwhile on Sunday, the Knights will host another New Jersey opponent in NJIT. The Highlanders opened their season at Rider on Monday, taking a victory to open up the new campaign.
Before traveling to Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sunday, NJIT will face Lafayette for the team's home opener tonight. A win in Newark would give the Highlanders their first 2-0 start since the 2016-17 season.
For Rutgers, these two weekend games come in the midst of a four-game homestand to start the season. After the program plays North Carolina Central next Wednesday, the Knights will take off to Paradise Island in the Bahamas to play in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Both games this weekend will be broadcasted on Big Ten Network+ and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
For more updates on the Rutgers women's basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
