WHO: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (10-15 total, 4-9 Huge Ten)
WHEN: Sunday, February twelfth at 2 PM CT
WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Area (Iowa Metropolis, IA)
TV: FS1
RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Community | Sirus/XM 109 or 196
MOBILE: www.foxsports.com/cellular
ONLINE: www.foxsports.com/stay
C. Vivian Stringer is without doubt one of the greatest coaches in ladies school basketball historical past, however it’s honest to say her time at Rutgers didn’t finish the way in which she would have appreciated. Stringer took a go away of absence from the workforce earlier than the 2021-2022 season, and Rutgers fell off considerably, going simply 11-20 total and 3-14 in convention.
Stringer then retired after the season, and Rutgers changed her with former Penn State coach Conquese Washington. Thus far, the transition hasn’t gone easily. Rutgers had simply eight gamers on its roster to start out the 12 months. Not eight well being gamers. Eight gamers complete. I’ve by no means seen a roster that small earlier than. Unsurprisingly, Rutgers has struggled this 12 months too, and is simply 10-15 on the 12 months and 4-9 in convention play.
In a small bit of fine information, all eight of these gamers managed to remain wholesome. 7 of 8 have performed in all 25 video games thus far, and the eighth participant has performed in 24 of 25.
Rutgers groups of the latest previous have been identified for his or her protection. This workforce… isn’t. The Scarlet Knights rank a horrid 336th in opponent’s factors per 100 possessions. Rutgers doesn’t pressure many turnovers, and doesn’t rebound the ball effectively both.
And the offense isn’t a lot better. The Scarlet Knights rank 219th in factors per 100 possessions, and rank 335th in turnover price, turning it over on round 20% of their possessions. Rutgers does shoot decently effectively from three and is a greater offensive rebounding workforce than Iowa, however that’s actually all they do effectively.
Frankly, given how poor Rutgers’ metrics are, it’s kind of shocking that they are 4-9 in convention video games. That’s the identical report as Penn State and Michigan State — and each these groups appear notably higher. Rutgers additionally had a powerful win over Nebraska again in early January.
Rutgers’ main scorer this 12 months is freshman Kaylene Smikle. Smikle—a 6’0″ guard—averages 17.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 1.8 spg. She shoots 36.7% from three, however simply 39.5% from two. She additionally averages nearly twice as many turnovers (4.1) as assists per sport (2.1). Smikle’s sturdy freshman season ought to give Rutgers followers some hope for the longer term, however within the switch portal period they could even be involved {that a} larger workforce may come calling.
Rutgers’ second main scorer is senior Awa Sidibe. She averages 9.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg, but additionally averages extra turnovers per sport (4.1) than assists (3.4). She additionally shoots simply 11.1% from three, although she averages fewer than one try per sport.
No hangover. The Indiana sport was enormous in magnitude and the Hawkeyes most likely really feel like they let one get away given how shut it was and that a lot of the workforce didn’t play significantly effectively. Iowa has to recover from that loss and handle enterprise in opposition to Rutgers.
