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Rutgers Scarlet Knights Bested by Illinois in Season Finale

February 27, 2023

In Rutger’s season finale, the Scarlet Knights (11-19) took on the (25) Illinois Fighting Illini (21-8). Unfortunately, the Scarlet Knights couldn’t finish the season how they liked, ultimately falling to Illinois, 75-53. The Knights will now turn their attention to the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Prior to Sunday’s game, Rutgers and Wisconsin were tied for the 10th seed in the Big Ten conference. However, the Badgers managed to upset the Michigan Wolverines, 78-70, ultimately securing the tenth seed and bumping the Knights to the 11th seed. On Wednesday evening, Rutgers will face whoever falls to the 14th seed.

Coquese Washington's Optimism

Although the Knights regular season has concluded, there’s so much to build on going forward for the Knights. Initially, having a roster of only eight players and only losing one after this season, graduate student Abby Streeter, they’re returning the majority of their team. Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Coquese Washington emphasized how excited she was about the upcoming year of getting the team back and only growing stronger than they were this year. She also mentions the importance of recruiting this upcoming offseason and believes they will compete at a higher-level next season.

“Absolutely, it’s an important piece to what we do and we recognize we have some gaps to feel,” Washington emphasizes in the press conference. “We have to get deeper in certain positions and my assistant coaches are phenomenal recruiters. I’m confident we will find pieces to bolster the roster and make us really competitive next year.”

The Knight’s standout player has proven to be freshman combo guard Kaylene Smikle who’s averaging 18 points on the season. Tonight, Smikle struggled the majority of the game as Illinois continued to get her out of rhythm by doubling high on pick-and-roll action. However, late in the game, Smikle began to find her way to the basket drawing several fouls. In fact, she shot seven of her nine free throws of the game in the fourth. Ultimately, she ended the game with 18 points, six rebounds, and four steals.

There’s no secret, Washington looks to build around the Smikle and her assets the following year. Smikle has proven to be a force offensively, however some don’t recognize her presence defensively. According to the Big Ten, Smikle is ranked No.4 throughout the conference in steals accompanied by freshman Antonia Bates who’s ranked No.8 in the conference in blocks.

“There’s a lot of things we’re going to work on this offseason,” Washington explained when asked about the next step of Smikle’s development. “One of the things that will be good for her is continuing for her to read defenses and some skill stuff. I’d like to elevate her ball handling ability, shooting, and reading defenders.”

“I’m excited to have a full offseason not just with Kayleen but with the entire team. Especially, now that we know the areas we want to work specifically, as opposed to learning who they are as players on game day,” Washington continued.