Rutgers Scarlet Knights Chop Down the Peacocks

Monday night, the Scarlet Knights (2-0) squared off against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks (0-3) at
home and defeated them in the game's final minutes, 75-65. Many expected a dominant
performance by Rutgers, however the Peacocks shocked many with their ability to shoot the ball.
In spite of the Scarlet Knights being victorious, the Peacocks limited them to 18% from beyond
the arch. While Rutgers didn’t shoot well, they did dominate in the paint and relied on their
scoring from the free-throw line and bech to overcome their shooting adversity.

‍
“We’re kind of unique, and we haven’t shot the ball great,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell
stated. “We made free throws today which was important. Ace [Bailey] was our leading scorer in
the preseason, so We just got to keep growing and keep getting better. We still have to get some
of our younger guys more experience, and I think this team has a chance if we stay together.”

The Scarlet Knights finished the game on an 11-0 run and held Saint Peter's without a basket for
the final four minutes of the game to secure a 75-65 victory at Jersey Mike's Arena. RU took
advantage in the second half with a 38-23 swing to overcome a five point deficit at the break. RU
dominated inside with 42 points in the paint compared to the Peacocks 22.

‍
Dylan Harper Steps Up

‍

Since 2018, this is the first time a guard in Rutgers history has recorded 20 plus points in
consecutive game since Corey Sanders. The true freshman Dylan Harper recorded 24 points on
nealry 50% shooting and six rebounds. Harper managed to keep Rutgers a float at times of their
offense appearing to be stagnant. Anytime the Peacocks connected on a big shot, it always
appeared Harper was there to answer, ultimately not allowing them to build up momentum.

‍
“The offensive side will take care of itself, but we really need stops on defense, and that’s what
we did today,” Harper stated. “Coach just kept encouraging us to shoot the shots because we
shoot them 1,000 times a day, so why not shoot them in a game. So, trusting in yourself and
defense was really the main focus.”

Throughout the game, Harper showed a lot veteran tendencies and experience. He impressed
many. More importantly the imposing coach. He emphasized how difficult Harper was to stop
throughout the duration of the game, however he also acknowledges there’s stilla ton of growing
for him to do. Harper is beginning to turn into the player any predicted prior to the season.

“He's a pro. If I could describe him one way, he's a pro,” Saint Peter head coach Bashir Mason
stated. “You can't speed him up. He knows who he is, his game. He started out that second half,
he was going to put the team on his back and establish that they were there, and he settled
everybody else down and kind of controlled the game the rest of the way."

What’s Next for the Scarlet Knight?

‍
Rutgers has two more games this month at Jersey Mike's Arena. Coming up, RU hosts
Monmouth (Friday, November 15) and then Merrimack (Wednesday, November 30).