Rutgers redeems itself

It didn't matter who Rutgers played. Coach C. Vivian Stringer just wanted to see the Scarlet Knights bounce back after an early exit in the Big East tournament, and she got her wish against Robert Morris in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kia Vaughn led four players in double figures with 22 points and second-seeded Rutgers routed 15th-seeded Robert Morris 85-42 on Saturday in the first round of the Greensboro regional in Des Moines, Iowa.

Rutgers entered the tournament play on a two-game losing streak, including an upset loss to Louisville the last time out.

In Saturday's game, Rutgers (25-6) shot 54.8 percent from the field, outscored Robert Morris 40-8 in the paint and held the Colonials (23-10) under 50 points for the first time this season.

"We took good shots and played very focused defense," Stringer said. "It was nice to see us establish an inside game. It was nice to see everybody step up and make a difference."

Iowa State 58, Georgia Tech 55: Alison Lacey hit a running shot in the lane with 47.4 seconds left and added 2 free throws to lift Iowa State (21-12) past Georgia Tech in Des Moinse, Iowa. The Cyclones will play Rutgers in the second round.

California 77, San Diego 60: Ashley Walker dominated the inside with 21 points and 12 rebounds, Devanei Hampton scored 22 points, and the third-seeded Golden Bears (27-6) won their first NCAA Tournament game in 15 years by beating San Diego (19-13) in Stanford, Calif.

George Washington 66, Auburn 56: Jessica Adair had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Antelia Parrish added 15 points and 7 boards, leading sixth-seeded George Washington (26-6) to a hard-fought first-round win over Auburn (20-12). George Washington will play California next.

Oklahoma City regional

Texas A&M 91, Texas-San Antonio: Morenike Atunrase scored 19 points off the bench to lead second-seeded Texas A&M (27-7) to a rout of Texas-San Antonio (23-10) in Baton Rouge, La.

Hartford 59, Syracuse 55: MaryLynne Schaefer made a 3-pointer with 13 seconds left to put 10th-seeded Hartford ahead and then added a pair of free throws to give the Hawks (28-5) a victory over Syracuse (22-9).

The Orange is winless in four NCAA appearances.

Spokane regional

Stanford 85, Cleveland State 47: Jayne Appel scored 29 of her career-high 33 points in the first half to help second-seeded Stanford (31-3) roll to a victory against Cleveland State (19-14) in Stanford, Calif. Appel hit 14 of 19 shots and had 12 rebounds in 25 minutes.

Baylor 88, Fresno State 67: Angela Tisdale scored 26 points and her taller teammates dominated on the boards in Baylor's victory over Fresno State (22-11) in Albuquerque, N.M. Baylor (25-6), the 2005 national champion, never trailed.

Pittsburgh 63, Wyoming 58: Shavonte Zellous scored 21 points, Sophronia Sallard had 15 and Mallorie Winn hit a huge 3-pointer with 2:27 remaining to help Pittsburgh (23-10) beat Wyoming (24-7).

West Virginia 61, New Mexico 60: Chakhia Cole scored 22 points, including the game-winning jumper with 17.5 seconds left, and West Virginia (25-7) eked out a win over New Mexico (290-13) in Albuquerque, N.M.

New Orleans regional

Oklahoma State 85, East Tennessee State 73: Andrea Riley had 26 points and 5 assists to help Oklahoma State (26-7) beat East Tennessee State (21-12) in Des Moines, Iowa.