PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers women’s basketball continued its unbeaten opening to the 2026-27 season Wednesday night, defeating La Salle 75-62 at Jersey Mike’s Arena to improve to 2-0.
While sophomore guard Mia Pauldo led Rutgers with 22 points, La Salle had an impressive individual performance from Joanie Quinn, who finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead the Explorers.
Pauldo recorded her second consecutive 20-point performance, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jaylah Lampley and Zennia Thomas also reached double figures for Rutgers with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Zachara Perkins and Tara Daye controlled the boards for the Scarlet Knights, collecting 11 rebounds apiece.
Rutgers established its defensive presence in the opening quarter, limiting La Salle to just six points. Perkins provided an early lift with a three-pointer after grabbing an offensive rebound, while Pauldo and Daye added baskets to help the Scarlet Knights take a 12-6 lead.
The Explorers responded with a more competitive effort in the second quarter, but Rutgers continued to find answers. Thomas scored in the paint, and Pauldo converted a second-chance opportunity. Lampley created momentum with a defensive steal that led to a fast-break layup and a successful free throw.
Chikae Desdunes also connected from long distance, allowing Rutgers to maintain control and take a 29-22 advantage into halftime.
The Scarlet Knights created more separation after the break, scoring 23 points in the third quarter. Daye and Perkins attacked the interior, while Pauldo continued to put pressure on the La Salle defense.
Thomas delivered a valuable contribution off the bench, scoring eight points in the period. Her production included two free throws that helped Rutgers stretch its advantage to 50-34. Pauldo added a late jumper as the Scarlet Knights carried a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.
La Salle refused to go away quietly, with Quinn leading the offensive effort and keeping the Explorers competitive. Rutgers, however, answered the challenge and maintained control when the game reached its final stretch.
Pauldo opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup, and Desdunes followed with her second three-pointer of the evening. Perkins added another second-chance basket, while Lampley knocked down a fast-break three to push the Rutgers advantage to 14.
Imani Lester provided another boost in the closing period, scoring five points, including a three-point play. Rutgers held off La Salle’s efforts and secured the 13-point victory.
The Scarlet Knights finished with a 48-39 rebounding advantage and outscored the Explorers 36-28 in the paint. Rutgers also held advantages in second-chance points, 23-13, and fast-break points, 18-10.
The Rutgers bench contributed 26 points, with Lampley and Thomas providing much of that production.
Although Rutgers improved to 2-0, head coach Redus was animated throughout the contest, repeatedly encouraging her players to sharpen their focus and eliminate defensive breakdowns that allowed La Salle to generate easy scoring opportunities.
The Scarlet Knights will look to build on their early-season momentum while continuing to improve their defensive consistency.
Next Up:
Rutgers continues its homestand Sunday, Nov. 8, welcoming Indiana State to Jersey Mike’s Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
