Rutgers earns rematch

GREENSBORO, N.C. – In a game where little was clicking offensively for Rutgers, Essence Carson carried the Scarlet Knights to another rematch with Connecticut – though this time with a Final Four berth at stake.

Carson matched her career high with 25 points Sunday to help Rutgers beat George Washington 53-42, sending them to Tuesday’s Greensboro Regional championship for a third meeting with their Big East rivals.

“Essence played extremely well,” Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer said. “She probably realized not too many people were on. In fact, nobody else was on.”

Epiphanny Prince added 12 points for the second-seeded Scarlet Knights (27-6), who handed the Huskies their only loss in early February. Connecticut, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, avenged the 73-71 defeat by winning the rematch by 20 points earlier this month.

Rutgers 53, GWU 42

George Washington (27-7)–Je.Adair 7-14 2-2 16, Allen 3-8 0-0 6, Beck 1-4 0-0 3, Parrish 3-13 0-0 7, Lawrence 4-13 2-2 10, Rivera 0-1 0-0 0, Ja.Adair 0-1 0-0 0, Steele 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 18-56 4-4 42.

Rutgers (27-6)–Carson 9-15 6-7 25, Prince 4-9 2-4 12, Vaughn 1-3 1-4 3, Zurich 1-2 0-0 2, Ajavon 3-7 0-1 6, Ray 2-3 0-0 5, Junaid 0-0 0-2 0. Totals 20-39 9-18 53.

Halftime—Rutgers 28, George Washington 16. 3-Point Goals—George Washington 2-17 (Beck 1-3, Parrish 1-8, Rivera 0-1, Steele 0-2, Lawrence 0-3), Rutgers 4-15 (Prince 2-5, Ray 1-2, Carson 1-6, Ajavon 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—George Washington 30 (Parrish 8), Rutgers 32 (Vaughn 11). Assists—George Washington 11 (Beck 5), Rutgers 12 (Ajavon 6). Total Fouls—Georege Washington 16, Rutgers 10.