Rutgers’ Destiny Adams Has Date With History in Conference Tourney
Destiny Adams had a career night for Rutgers, but it was not enough as the women’s basketball team saw its season end in a 77-69 loss to Minnesota in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Adams nabbed 24 rebounds setting a single-game record for the conference tournament. According to Rutgers Athletics, the rebound record was previously set by Ohio State’s Stephanie Mavunga against Minnesota in 2018. The performance also tops the Rutgers Big Ten Tournament high of 16 set last season by Chyna Cornwell.
Adams also finished the night with 31 points, a new program best for the conference tournament.
Moreover, her 31-point effort beat the previous 30-point effort by Arella Guirantes against Indiana in 2020. Her 12 field goals and 24 attempts from the floor are also new highs, both set in 2016 by Tyler Scaife.
Adams wasn’t the only one having a great night on the floor. Erica Lafayatte contributed 16 points, which included nailing four three-pointers, and posting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.
Unfortunately for RU, it wasn’t enough. Minnesota jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Rutgers did enjoy a brief lead of 57-56 after Adams sank a pair of free throws early in the fourth quarter, but a layup by Niamya Holloway put Minnesota back out in front by a point 58-57.
They never trailed again, building their lead to as much as eight points when Janay Sanders connected on a jumper with 2:19 to go in regulation.
Rutgers finishes the 2023-24 season at 8-24 and 2-16 in conference.
