PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Freshman sensation Dylan Harper made a significant impact in his much-anticipated debut, leading the 25th-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights to a comfortable 75-52 victory against Wagner in their season opener.
Harper, a versatile combo guard, is widely regarded as one of the top first-year players in the nation. Together with fellow freshman Ace Bailey, Rutgers’ hopes for the season are high, which contributed to their pre-season ranking. Harper is notable not only for his individual talent but also as the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr., a former Rutgers star, and the son of Ron Harper Sr., a seasoned NBA player.
Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, Bailey was unable to participate in this game due to an injury sustained in practice earlier in the week; his status remains day-to-day.
Leading the way for Wagner was Keyontae Lewis, who scored 12 points. For Rutgers, P.J. Hayes also added 12 points, while Lathan Sommerville chipped in with 11 points and secured eight rebounds. Jeremiah Williams contributed to the scoring efforts with 10 points.
Though Harper had a strong performance, he struggled at the free-throw line, converting just one of six attempts.
In terms of performance, Wagner was projected as co-champions of the Northeast Conference prior to the season. However, they were outmatched in nearly every statistical category during the game.
It is anticipated that Bailey will not be sidelined for long; his return will be crucial for the Scarlet Knights, as he can complement Harper well in both offensive and defensive strategies.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Rutgers overcame a 10-5 deficit by launching an impressive 20-0 run over a span of 10:07, establishing a commanding 25-10 lead. During this scoreless stretch for Wagner, the team missed 17 consecutive shots, with Sommerville contributing nine points for Rutgers.
One key statistic that stood out was Rutgers’ speed, allowing them to dominate the fast-break points with a striking 26-2 advantage over Wagner.
Looking ahead, Wagner will host Manor College from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association on Saturday, while Rutgers will face their in-state rival Saint Peter’s on November 11.