The Scarlet Knights Stun UCLA at Home

Coming off a three-game losing streak, the Scarlet Knights have been scrutinized by the media and supporters. That said, finding a way to prevail over UCLA on Monday night, 75-68, was pivotal for the remainder of the season. Despite being injured in the last couple of games, star players Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey proved sensational throughout the matchup. The fans proved to be a huge determining factor late in the game as well. 

Early in the game, following the 7-0 start for the Bruins, Bailey managed to gain the first point of the game after a slow start. Unfortunately, Harper didn’t find his rhythm until late in the game, however freshman Dylan Grant, earning his first start of his career, contributed value minutes in the resurgence of the Scarlet Knights. 

“UCLA is a very good team,”  Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell stated. “They've been ranked all season long. We were connected, we had great energy, and we outrebounded a really good rebounding team. They cause the most turnovers of just about anyone in the country so we handled that. I have a lot of respect for UCLA. It's been a tough couple of weeks but these guys just kept fighting, are doing a tremendous job in practice, and keep plugging."

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Key Contributions to the Scarlet Knights 

Scarlet Knights captains Zach Martini and Jeremiah Williams led the bench with four to five points, however eight different Scarlet Knights recorded points through the first half. To carry momentum in the second half, Harper threw an alley-oop to Bailey to end the half, 33-30.

"Thankful for our fans they were great and gave us a great edge,  Pikiell continued. “Proud of our guys. It's been a tough stretch. It's good to have Dylan (Harper) back and healthy. Jeremiah (Williams) was tremendous today and Ace (Bailey) with a double-double, blocked three shots.” 

Shortly after halftime, Harper and Bailey picked up where they left off, ultimately helping extend the lead with an 8-0 run of their own. The two freshmen combined for 38 points of Rutgers 75 points. Noting, Bailey recorded his fifth career double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks). Rutgers dominated the Bruins on the boards allowing them to control the majority of the game. Scarlet Knights secured 10 second chance points of 11 offensive rebounds. 

"We just connected, “Pikiell emphasized. “We've shown signs of it. In this league you better be connected for forty (minutes) and I think we were connected for forty. We made our free throws down the stretch. We showed really good signs of getting better. It's a young group. Jeremiah (Williams) came off the bench, Martini (Zach) gave us great minutes, Emmanuel (Ogbole) was outstanding. Every guy contributed to winning today and it was nice to see."

‍What’s Next for Rutgers?

The Scarlet Knights are back in action on Thursday, Jan. 16, when they travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, to face the 12-4 (2-3) Cornhuskers at 9 pm. Rutgers does not return to Jersey Mike's Arena until Saturday, Feb. 1, when it hosts Michigan.