PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Dylan Harper delivered an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and making a crucial go-ahead layup with just under four minutes remaining, leading No. 24 Rutgers to a challenging 75-65 win against rival Saint Peter’s on Monday night.

The Scarlet Knights (2-0) faced the tough task of overcoming a five-point halftime deficit and had to rally late in the game when the Peacocks (0-3) had erased a nine-point deficit to take the lead, the final time at 65-64 with a layup by Tyreck Morris with just over four minutes left on the clock.

Harper’s layup, which came shortly after Morris’ basket, sparked a decisive 11-0 run for Rutgers, who held Saint Peter’s scoreless for the remainder of the game.

Adding to the Scarlet Knights’ efforts was fellow freshman Lathan Sommerville, who contributed 14 points. Rutgers played once again without the highly anticipated freshman Ace Bailey, who has not yet debuted this season due to an undisclosed injury sustained a week prior.

On the other side, Marcus Randolph showcased his skills by scoring a career-high 22 points, though he managed only six in the second half. The Peacocks struggled in the final minutes, missing their last eight shots and feeling the pressure from a sellout crowd at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

Takeaways from the game indicate that the Peacocks were on the brink of a major upset, reminiscent of their surprising victory over Purdue in the Elite Eight during Shaheen Holloway’s coaching tenure in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights looked a bit exposed and may certainly need Bailey’s presence to stabilize their lineup.

A key moment arose in the final four minutes, where Rutgers managed to clinch the victory, while Saint Peter’s failed to capitalize on their opportunities for an upset. Although Morris secured the Peacocks’ last two baskets, he found himself struggling in the closing moments and ended the game with a disappointing 3 for 16 shooting from the field.

In terms of statistics, this victory improved Rutgers’ record to an impressive 62-7 in non-conference home games under Coach Steve Pikiell. The team has now won 11 consecutive non-conference home games, boasting a remarkable 43-2 record in such matchups since the 2019-20 season began.

Looking ahead, Saint Peter’s is set to visit UMBC on Saturday, while Rutgers will host Monmouth on Friday.