The Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced the Indiana Hoosiers on January 2, 2025, at Assembly Hall, aiming to regain momentum as they commenced the new year and conference play. Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, they suffered an 84-74 loss, exposing the steep challenges they face without their leading scorer, Dylan Harper.
Rutgers entered the matchup significantly short-handed, as Harvard was ruled out just before the game due to illness. Head coach Steve Pikiell stated, “He hasn’t practiced, he didn’t go to our shoot-around today. Hopefully, he gets back soon.” Harper’s absence was felt immensely, and though several players contributed, it was freshman Ace Bailey who stepped up to the plate.
Bailey delivered one of the best performances of his budding career, pouring in 39 points, achieving eight rebounds, and blocking four shots—this remarkable display came on 16-of-29 shooting from the field. His 39 points marked the most ever scored by a Rutgers freshman during regulation play and tied the program's scoring record for freshmen, previously set by Corey Sanders. Pikiell applauded Bailey postgame, calling his effort “spectacular” and highlighting how dynamic he was on offense.
Despite Bailey's individual brilliance, the team could not offset the loss of Harper. The Scarlet Knights saw their other players struggle offensively. The combination of Jamichael Davis, Jeremiah Williams, and others failed to score effectively, finishing with just 34 combined points. Rutgers finished the game shooting only 43.6%, which included a disappointing 28.6% from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 21 attempts. To compound matters, Bailey struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 3 of 8 attempts.
Indiana, meanwhile, capitalized on their opportunities. The Hoosiers took an early lead after hitting several three-pointers throughout the game, finishing with 12 three-point shots made out of 27 attempts. They held significant advantages on the offensive boards, snagging 18 offensive rebounds, which produced 34 second-chance points—an area where Pikiell noted, "We gave up 18 offensive rebounds... Have to do a really good job on the backboards.”
The first half saw Rutgers take turns exchanging leads with Indiana before the Hoosiers closed out the half with great momentum. Despite going on a 13-0 run to take the lead midway through the first half, Indiana responded effectively, ending the half leading 41-34 after Anthony Leal hit what can only be described as a miracle shot from beyond half-court at the buzzer.
Coming out for the second half, Indiana extended their lead to as much as 18 points, putting Rutgers under constant pressure. Bailey mounted a strong effort to spearhead a comeback attempt but fell short. The closest the Scarlet Knights could get was within six points late in the game, thanks to Bailey's two three-pointers. Yet, missed free throws contrasted with missed opportunities would become too costly, and Indiana secured the win. The final score, 84-74, was particularly disheartening for Rutgers, marking their fifth loss over the last eight games and dropping them to 1-2 within conference play.
This loss inflicted damage on Rutgers’ aspirations for the NCAA Tournament, leaving them with an 0-4 record against teams classified as Quad 1, which are those bulky or highly-rated opponents pivotal for their postseason resume.
Rutgers will now prepare to face Wisconsin, starting what could be a pivotal three-game homestand, hoping to rally behind Bailey’s capable hands, but desperately needing Harper to return to reshape their dynamic and improve their chances moving forward. The absence of such talent cannot be understated; Bailey and Harper’s combined scoring averaged over 43 points across games, causing greater strain on the rest of the squad on nights like these.
New challenges await, yet the Scarlet Knights must swiftly recalibrate. Coach Pikiell noted after the match, “We’ve got to figure out this backboard stuff,” emphasizing the pressing need for teamwork and collective effort to defeat opponents.
With upcoming matchups looming, fans watch closely as the young core develops, yet the stark reminder of how integral star players are to their successes permeates the coaching staff's strategies. From Bailey’s bright performance, the hope persists; Rutgers must find ways to disrupt the struggles compellingly.