No. 25 Rutgers will aim for another strong showing when it hosts Saint Peter’s on Monday night in Piscataway, N.J.
The Scarlet Knights (1-0) started the season with a 75-52 victory Wednesday over Wagner despite the absence of Ace Bailey, the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit in 2024.
Bailey, a 6-foot-10 guard/forward, is listed as day-to-day after suffering an unspecified injury during practice last week.
“Every year is exciting in its own way, but every year is challenging in its own way too,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. “So quick reminder with Ace, the challenges that come with your season and having guys ready, and early in the season, is always a challenge.”
Another five-star recruit, guard Dylan Harper, led host Rutgers with 20 points and added four assists Wednesday, playing 32 minutes in the 23-point victory.
“It was a dream come true, to be honest,” Harper said. “Getting a chance to play in front of this crowd, in front of the Riot Squad, it’s just crazy. Honestly, a blessing.”
Freshman Lathan Sommerville had 11 points and eight rebounds in his first collegiate game. PJ Hayes IV scored 12 points and Jeremiah Williams added 10.
Despite the lopsided win, Pikiell is looking for improvement in his team in Game 2.
“We gotta rebound better, we gotta do a lot of things, but we’ve got a lot more players to decide from,” he said.
Wagner outrebounded Rutgers 42-39, but the Scarlet Knights’ defense helped them overcome the deficiency on the boards and come away with the victory.
Rutgers held Wagner to 34.9 percent shooting from the field and forced 11 turnovers, scoring 16 points off those mistakes.
Now, the Scarlet Knights will face Saint Peter’s (0-2), which is working in eight new players under coach Bashir Mason.
“Toughness,” Mason said about the Peacocks’ style of basketball. “We practice it every day. Just being able to withstand adverse conditions, rough handlings, staying together and staying connected. Figuring out ways to win.”
Although Saint Peter’s is winless, both losses have come by seven points or fewer after second-half comeback efforts.
On Friday, the Peacocks traveled to UMass Lowell and fell 81-74. Saint Peter’s trailed by nine at halftime and by 15 early in the second half before drawing within four points five times down the stretch.
Marcus Randolph led Saint Peter’s with 16 points, and Stephon Roberts was two points shy of a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds.
The Peacocks started the season with a 57-53 loss at Seton Hall on Monday. Saint Peter’s will play eight of its first nine games on the road this year. Last season, the Peacocks traveled to Rutgers, too, losing 71-40 on Nov. 27.
Saint Peter’s recovered at the end of the season to win the MAAC Tournament title and gain its second NCAA Tournament berth in the three seasons. In 2022, the Peacocks won three tournament games before falling to North Carolina in the Elite Eight.
–Field Level Media
