In a huge Big Ten showdown between Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Michigan Wolverines, the stars definitely put up a great performance. Rutgers is a young team coming in at 6-14 while Michigan has more experience at 12-6 this season. Key players to watch out for in this matchup were Laila Phelia, Lauren Hansen, Mya Petticord, Destiny Adams and Jillian Huerter. They can beat you in many ways with their respective teams. Rutgers was 5-6 all time against Michigan with a three game losing streak.
Rutgers did a great job of keeping this game close throughout with a game plan focused around defense. Michigan's defense was also putting pressure with both teams turning the ball over early. Laila Phelia set the tone early for the Wolverines as she couldn't be stopped. Phelia was a force everywhere on the court today and creating for her teammates. Destiny Adams started off strong for the Scarlet Knights as Michigan had a 16-10 lead going onto the second quarter.
It was a low scoring second quarter with both teams combining for 17 points. The bench started to pick it up as Mya Petticord, Lauren Hansen and Jillian Huerter made some big contributions also in this game. Michigan had a 25-18 lead going into halftime and Rutgers making a run. Michigan Wolverines did a fantastic job of keeping Rutgers from taking the lead and didn't let up from their runs. Scarlet Knights needed to stop Phelia somehow but she was still dominant. It is all about capturing the moment at right time and making things happen to help win games.
The third and fourth quarter was a tight battle as it could have went either way. Second chance points and free throws were key factors in this matchup that would determine who would win. Michigan's experience with their winning track record helped them get this victory over Rutgers by a score of 56-50 as they improve to 13-6 this season. Wolverines has a lot of length, size and a system that is consistent and sometimes unbeatable when in sync.
Leading scorers for Michigan
Laila Phelia 25 points, 8-16 FG, 2-3 3FG, 7-10 FT, 6 rebounds and 1 assist.
Lauren Hansen 12 points, 5-10 FG, 2-6 3FG, 1 rebound and 1 assist.
Leading scorers for Rutgers
Jillian Huerter 12 points, 4-6 FG, 3-5 3FG, 1-2 FT, 1 rebound and 1 assist.
Destiny Adams 11 points, 3-8 FG, 5-5 FT and 2 rebounds.
Mya Petticord 9 points, 3-7 FG, 3-4 FT, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.
Photo Credit 📹 Mike Franco
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