Sidibe’s Standout Performance Leads Women’s Basketball Past NC Central

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The Rutgers women’s basketball team (3-1) jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back, defeating NC Central (1-3), 66-45, on Wednesday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena. 

Led by a career night from Awa Sidibe, the Scarlet Knights held onto the lead for the entire contest, getting out to their biggest advantage of 21 points in the fourth quarter. The Eagle’s rallied in the second half, but, the senior guard’s 18 points and six assists, both career highs, were too much to handle. 

“She’s always been a really good defender, since we first saw her in the gym,” head coach Coquese Washington said. “The thing she’s really improved is her high post jumper. She puts in the work, she’s always in the gym getting up shots. That’s the thing I see the most that’s improved is her ability to knock down the high post shot.”  

Seven players scored in another balanced effort by Rutgers, with three players in double figures. In addition to Sidibe game-high 18 points, freshman Kaylene Smikle provided her second consecutive +10- point performance, recording 12 points and eight rebounds while Erica Lafayette added 12 points.

Rutgers took advantage of NCC ball handling, scoring 26 points off their turnovers. The Scarlet Knight also added 16 steals in the win.

RU capitalized from the charity stripe, shooting 78.3 percent (18-of-23), while only allowing NC Central to take two trips to the line. 

For the third time this season Rutgers held…