PISCATAWAY, N.J. — In an impressive display of talent, Ace Bailey scored 24 points while freshman Dylan Harper made history by achieving the first triple-double for Rutgers in over 40 years as the Scarlet Knights dominated Columbia with a score of 91-64 on Monday night.

Harper reached his 10th rebound with just over five minutes left in the second half, assisting Bailey for a layup that marked his 10th assist of the game. This milestone was significant as it was the program’s first triple-double since the remarkable performance by star center Roy Hinson, who recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 blocks against Rhode Island on March 2, 1983.

Completing his triple-double, Harper ended the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists for Rutgers (8-5), rebounding from a close loss to Princeton that ended 83-82. Harper was also effective from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 7 three-point attempts. Additionally, Jamichael Davis and Lathan Sommerville contributed to the scoreboard with 11 points each.

Bailey’s early momentum was crucial, as he put up 13 points in the first 12 minutes, helping the Scarlet Knights establish an early lead of 27-18. By halftime, they maintained a 44-35 advantage, and their lead expanded significantly late in the game when freshman Peter Noble sank a long-range three-pointer on his first attempt of the season.

Columbia attempted to rally after securing their first offensive rebound, leading to Kenny Noland’s three-pointer that narrowed the gap to 54-46 with 14:07 remaining. However, Harper quickly answered by scoring the next four points, initiating a dominant 10-2 run that he capped off with a three-pointer, extending Rutgers’ lead to 64-48. The Scarlet Knights maintained a comfortable lead for the remainder of the match.

For Columbia (11-2), Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa recorded 17 points, while Noland contributed 16 points and hit four three-pointers during the game.

With the completion of their nonconference schedule, Rutgers will shift focus back to Big Ten competition, facing Indiana on Thursday. Meanwhile, Columbia is set to welcome Cornell on January 11 for the Ivy League season opener for both teams.