Rising Stars Light Up Lima
Rutgers entered the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima with a clear mission: to translate its early‑season momentum into a deep tournament run under first‑year head coach Gary Redus II.
The Scarlet Knights have adopted an up‑tempo offense that floods the court with three‑point attempts, a tactic that has already produced a 3‑0 start.
At the heart of that strategy are two freshman guards who have quickly become the team’s sharpshooting anchors.
Chikae Desnudes is tied for the tournament lead with five made three‑pointers, positioning her among the most feared shooters in the competition.
Mya Pauldo, also a freshman, sits third with four treys, and her quick release adds another layer of threat to Rutgers’ backcourt.
Their combined accuracy has opened driving lanes for teammates, creating a balanced offense that also features contributions from veterans such as Lourdes Briones, Valeria Fernandez and Breanna Custodio.
Head coach Gary Redus II highlighted the chemistry, noting that the depth of the backcourt allows the team to maintain pressure throughout the game.
With the knockout rounds looming, the Scarlet Knights are focused on preserving their unbeaten streak and leveraging their outside shooting to advance further.