Recently, the Princeton Tigers (9-4) not only have bested the Scarlet Knights (7-5), but have proven to have their number as well. The Scarlet Knights fell to the Tigers in consecutive years, which leads many to believe there is a power shift beginning in New Jersey. That said, this game was a thriller from start to finish. There were 17 lead changes and 13 times the game remained tied throughout. This was an extreme back-and-forth game that went down to the literal wire. The Tigers star forward Cade Pierce, who recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds, put the dagger down with four seconds remaining, eventually leaving the Scarlet Knights heartbroken, 83-82.
“It’s not just a win, it’s a big win,” Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson stated. “There’s no going back, the boys hear me say that a lot but there’s no going back for us. It’s time to understand the importance of what we are and own this. Instead of letting this be a flash in the pan.”
Despite allowing the Tigers star guard Xavian Lee to score 21 points and 11 assists, the Scarlet Knights did positive things defensively in spurts. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as consistent as they’d like and similarly to Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell emphasized that one possession determined the outcome.
“That was a great college basketball game, Princeton was always good and challenging,” Pikiell stated. “They were one possession better than us today, and we’ve won a few of these games. It’s a tough way to go into Christmas because I thought we played hard and did some good things out there. They [Princeton] had a lot of second shots and we just got to be one possession better. … Tip of the hat.”
Positive Takeaways from Rutgers
Five-star Dylan Harper shined in the seventh annual Never Forget Tribute Classic. He had 17 first-half points on 70 percent shooting en route to a 22-point performance. Harper has recorded 20+ points in four straight contests and 10 times in 12 games. He also secured a career-high three steals.
Free throws were the difference through the first 20 minutes - RU shot 12-for-14 from the line while Princeton was just 1-for-7. Sophomore Jordan Derkack accounted for half of Rutgers' makes as they took a 46-44 lead into the break. Derkack (10) reached double figures for the second time this season.
Five-star Ace Bailey recorded his fourth double-double - he had 15 points and 12 rebounds. With 20 seconds remaining, sophomore Jamichael Davis stole an inbounds pass leading to a Bailey three-pointer that gave RU an 82-81 lead.
“We made plays down the stretch and we’re always in close games,” Pikiell continued. “... It was the first time we got three stops in a row, and it was at the end of the game. Ace [Bailey] makes a big three, but they had a little too much time on the clock. “
What’s Next for the Scarlet Knights?
Rutgers will have a nine-day break before its next game, hosting another Ivy League foe in Columbia on December 30 at Jersey Mike's Arena. Big Ten play resumes at the start of the new year, as RU trips to Bloomington to face Indiana on January 2.
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