Rutgers’ freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller made an impressive comeback, scoring a personal best of 33 points after being sidelined for two games due to a decision made by the coaching staff. Although McMiller’s stellar performance showcased her talent, it ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Scarlet Knights, who fell to Nebraska with a final score of 69-62 on Sunday.
Following the game, Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington provided limited details regarding the reasons behind McMiller’s absence from the previous matches. “It was resolved the same way it was when a week ago I said it was an internal matter,” Washington stated. “I don’t have any additional insight for you all because it’s an internal matter that we handled internally and moved past it, moved on, and moved forward. That’s all I have to say on that.”
Before a matchup against No. 4 USC on January 5, McMiller shared with her followers on social media that she would not be playing that night due to Washington’s decision. In her message, she expressed her apologies to her supporters and conveyed her appreciation for their encouragement.
Despite not taking the court against USC, McMiller traveled with the team to Minnesota but did not play during that game either. It was Sunday when she returned to her starting position.
“There was nothing that led to it; she’s back with our team. We’re happy to have her back,” Washington commented on her return. “I don’t have anything to explain. She’s back with our team, back at practice.”
This season, McMiller has been a significant contributor, averaging 19.9 points per game, leading the team. Earlier in the season, she gained attention for her incredible highlight-reel basket that garnered widespread attention on social media. Notably, she was the first high school athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the iconic Jordan Brand.
In addition to her 33 points, McMiller tied her personal best by sinking five three-pointers in the game against Nebraska, keeping the Scarlet Knights competitive throughout. She has scored over 30 points in three games this season and achieved double-digit points in each of the last 13 games she participated in.
During a pivotal moment late in the third quarter, McMiller gave Rutgers their first lead of the game, scoring with a floater to make it 44-42. Earlier, she had tied the game at 42 with an impressive play on the previous possession.
