PISCATAWAY, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Tasha Pointer scored 13 points as seventh-ranked Rutgers got its season off to a successful start with a 66-47 victory over California.

Coming off an appearance in the Final Four, the Lady Knights started strong and shot 55 percent (11-of-20) in the first half, building a 32-19 lead.

Pointer, a senior, who was instrumental in helping the Lady Knights reach the Final Four, came off the bench and also grabbed six rebounds while handing out five assists.

Tammy Sutton-Browne added 10 points for Rutgers, which shot 48 percent (24-of-50) and held a 35-31 rebounding advantage.

Lauren Ashbuagh and Courtney Johnson scored 11 points apiece for the mistake-prone Golden Bears (0-1), who committed 29 turnovers and shot a mere 32 percent (13-of-41).