Penn State guard Sierra Moore (5) takes a shot while being triple teamed by Rutgers center Rachel Hollivay (l), guard Tyler Scaife (3) and guard Syessence Davis (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Piscataway, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
The Associated Press
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) - Kahleah Copper scored 25 points and Tyler Scaife added 21 to help No. 22 Rutgers beat Penn State 76-65 on Sunday for its fourth consecutive win.
It was Copper's sixth 20-plus point game this season.
Betnijah Laney recorded her 14th straight double-double with 16 points and 14 boards for Rutgers (16-5, 7-3 Big Ten).
Rutgers led by as many as 11 in the first half, but Penn State's zone defense caused problems early in the second half and the Nittany Lions used a 19-5 spurt to take a 47-42 lead.
Rutgers started the second half shooting 2 of 16 from the field. Scaife's baseline jumper ended Rutgers' 5-plus minute scoreless drought to cut the deficit to 47-44. Later, the Scarlet Knights' press defense sparked a 14-6 run, started and capped by Copper's three-point plays, to take a 62-54 lead.
Lindsey Spann led Penn State (5-17, 2-9) with 16 points.
Rutgers center Christa Evans (20) battles Penn State guard Sierra Moore (5) for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Piscataway, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
The Associated Press
Penn State center Candice Agee (1) battles Rutgers center Rachel Hollivay (1) for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Piscataway, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
The Associated Press
Penn State center Candice Agee (1) attempts a layup as Rutgers center Rachel Hollivay (1) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Piscataway, N.J., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
The Associated Press