Freshman stars Harper, Bailey help No. 24 Rutgers beat Monmouth 98-81
Rutgers guard Ace Bailey (4) reacts after making a three point shot against Monmouth guard Jack Collins (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J. Credit: AP/Noah K. Murray
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Dylan Harper scored 20 points, fellow freshman Ace Bailey had 17 in his college debut and No. 24 Rutgers beat Monmouth 98-81 on Friday night.
After missing the first two games of the season with what coach Steve Pikiell called a “basketball injury,” Bailey made the first shot of the game — a 3-pointer from the right corner. The guard added six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot in 30 minutes.
Harper has scored at least 20 points in each game this season for Rutgers (3-0). He added five rebounds and six assists.
Zach Martini added 18 points, and Lathan Sommerville had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Abdi Bashir Jr. led Monmouth (0-4) with a career-high 38 points. He was 10 of 17 from 3-point range. Madison Durr added 17 points.
Rutgers never trailed. The Scarlet Knights were 11 of 20 from 3-point range and made 25 of 32 free throws.
Takeaways
Monmouth: The Hawks have an average losing margin of 21 points.
Rutgers center Zach Martini (99) and Monmouth guard Jack Collins (13) battle for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J. Credit: AP/Noah K. Murray
Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights continue to feast on mid-majors. They are 63-7 in nonconference home games under Steve Pikiell since the 2016-17 season.
Key moment
Ace Bailey's alley-oop dunk off a turnover gave Rutgers a 42-25 lead.
Key stat
Rutgers shot 61% from the field (30 of 52)
Up next
Monmouth is at Wichita State on Monday night. Rutgers hosts Merrimack on Wednesday night.
