PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Scarlet Knights beat Penn State 80-76 in their Big Ten home opener Tuesday evening, their first game at Jersey Mike’s Arena in three weeks.
Five-star Dylan Harper was feeling it early for Rutgers – he scored 11 points in eight minutes including 3-for-3 from deep. Harper finished the half with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Tyson Acuff, PJ Hayes, and Jeremiah Williams shot a combined 5-for-8 from beyond the arc through the first 20 minutes including a buzzer beater from Williams that put Rutgers up 48-33 at the break.
Rutgers led by as many as 17 in the second half but persistent Penn State defense and a quick 8-0 run brought them back in it.
PSU made it a two-point game with under two minutes remaining but clutch rebounding and second-chance opportunities made the deficit too big to overcome.
Rutgers won the rebounding battle 46-32 including 12 offensive that led to 22 second-chance points.
Harper recorded his first career double-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists while fellow five-star Ace Bailey notched his third. He finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Both freshmen had two blocks and Emmanuel Ogbole added three himself.
It was a team effort for the Scarlet Knights – seven players scored six or more points including 27 from off the bench.
Foul trouble for the Nittany Lions (22 personals) allowed the Scarlet Knights 25 free throw attempts, though they only capitalized with 14 makes.
The Scarlet Knights improve to 6-4 while Penn State falls to 8-2.
Rutgers will look to continue its momentum hosting Seton Hall in the annual Garden State Hardwood Classic on Saturday at 3 pm. Last year, Scarlet Knights won 70-63.