Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - La Salle led late but Rutgers eked out a 59-57 decision on a buzzer-beater shot at the RAC in Piscataway, N.J., on Sunday afternoon in nonconference play.

Freshman Micahya Owens shined for the Explorers (0-2), draining a game-high 21 points including 13 in the second half. She connected for four treys and shot 6-for-10 overall. Graduate transfer Leeza Burdgess contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, six of those on the offensive glass. Alicia Cropper added 11 points and four rebounds.

Kahleah Copper led the Scarlet Knights (3-0) with 12 points, while Briyona Canty and Tyler Scaife added 11 apiece. Betnijah Laney pulled down a game-high 12 boards.

The Scarlet Knights held a consistent three to five point advantage throughout the majority of the game. The Explorers flirted with a lead about midway through the second half when Owens drained a long three to put the squad up 40-39 at the 12:54 point but a 5-0 Rutgers spurt put the home squad back up 44-40.

Lee gave the Explorers the lead once again with 57 seconds remaining, draining a three to go up 57-56. Rutgers' Precious Person hit one of two free throws to knot the game at 57-57. A Lee foulout with 31 seconds on the clock gave Rutgers the possession.

The Scarlet Knights ticked the clock down, then fed the ball to Christa Evans down low who converted the lay-in with one second on the clock for the game-winning bucket.

Fouls plagued both squads throughout, with a combined 45 whistles - 24 for La Salle and 21 for Rutgers. Both squads had a pair of players foul out as well.

The Explorer defense was strong, forcing Rutgers into 24 turnovers. La Salle recorded 20 miscues.

Rutgers shot 43.2 percent for the game (19-44), and just 60 percent from the free throw line (18-30). The home squad also hit three of six trey attempts.

La Salle was limited to 31.0 percent from the field (18-58) but went 42.1 percent (8-19) from long range, fueled by Owens' 4-for-7 showing from beyond the arc. The Explorers went 61.9 percent (13-21) from the charity stripe.

The Explorers remain on the road next weekend, playing a two-game swing at Manhattan (11/24) and Fairfield (11/25). Tipoff at Manhattan is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday.