Rutgers men’s basketball team has rebounded impressively after a surprising loss against Kennesaw State, with freshman guard Dylan Harper leading the charge. On Tuesday night, Harper delivered a standout performance, scoring 36 points and adding six assists and six rebounds as the Scarlet Knights narrowly defeated Notre Dame 85-84 in overtime during the opening of the eight-team Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.
Harper showcased his offensive prowess, hitting 12 of his 22 shots, primarily driving towards the basket—a tactic that proved challenging for the opposition to defend. His total marked the highest for a Scarlet Knight since Corey Sanders scored 39 points against Illinois back in 2016. Harper’s strong performance was complemented by his ability to involve teammates during critical moments.
The game saw Notre Dame almost steal a victory thanks to Matt Allocco, who recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, including a critical 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. However, he narrowly missed a long-range shot at the buzzer. After the match, Harper praised Allocco’s performance, acknowledging his ability to make big shots.
In a twist of fate, Notre Dame lost their leading scorer, Markus Burton, to injury just minutes into the game; he was sidelined when Rutgers center Emmanuel Ogbole fell onto his knee. The Scarlet Knights now hold a 5-1 record and are set to challenge the ninth-ranked Alabama for a title game spot.
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell made strategic changes to the lineup, introducing Jeremiah Williams and PJ Hayes, which proved to be beneficial. Williams contributed significantly, while Derkack, coming off the bench, provided additional firepower with 16 points. Additionally, Tyson Acuff, who has been recovering from a foot injury, stepped up with his best performance, scoring seven points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Scarlet Knights face a steep challenge against Alabama, noted for their competitive edge. For a chance at an upset, Rutgers will need to improve on their rebounding, an area of concern as they were out-rebounded by Notre Dame.
Overall, this win serves as a pivotal turning point for Rutgers, showcasing their resilience and talent. Dylan Harper’s emergence as a key player for the Scarlet Knights offers hope for the season ahead. The team’s upcoming matches will be a test of their ability to continue building momentum, with fans eagerly anticipating their performance against one of the top teams in the country.
In summary, Rutgers demonstrated tenacity and skill, signaling potential for a successful season as they continue to build on their progress. The determination and collaborative effort will be crucial as they prepare for tougher matchups in the tournament.