Rutgers basketball, with Dylan Harper ailing, falls to Wisconsin

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PISCATAWAY – Dylan Harper was back in Rutgers basketball’s starting lineup Monday, but he wasn’t back to his old self – and that proved costly for the Scarlet Knights.

With the star point guard severely limited by the illness that sidelined him during last week’s loss at Indiana, Rutgers began a make-or-break three-game homestand with a 75-63 loss to Wisconsin.

Harper went scoreless in his 15 minutes, managing four rebounds and just two shots. In a sign of how badly the freshman out of Don Bosco Prep was hurting, he played off the ball offensively to conserve energy during his time on the court.

Jan 6, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles asWisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) defends during the first half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Without their All-America candidate at anywhere close to full speed, Rutgers fell into a 16-point hole, rallied to pull within three, but ran out of steam. The Scarlet Knights are now 8-7 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Their NCAA Tournament hopes hinge on winning the next two home games, against No. 20 Purdue and No. 22 UCLA, which of course hinges on Harper’s recovery timetable.

Wisconsin (12-3, 2-2) shot 53 percent from the field. With freshman forward Ace Bailey, who was just named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, unable to get going (9 points on 3-of-16 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 fouls), Rutgers’ offense was dead in the water.

FIVE TAKEAWAYS

Jan 6, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Dylan Grant (9) reacts after making a three point basket during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

1. Tyson Acuff comes through

There’s a reason why the postgrad guard averaged 21.7 points last season at Eastern Michigan, and it finally was on display Monday.

After suffering a broken foot over the summer and missing three-and-a-half months, Acuff struggled…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rutgers-basketball-dylan-harper-ailing-020121817.html

Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2025-01-07 02:01:00

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