Ace Bailey stats tonight: How did the Rutgers star fare vs Alabama (Nov 27)
Ace Bailey produced good numbers for Rutgers but his efforts weren't enough, as the Scarlet Knights lost to No. 9 Alabama, 95-90, in the Players Era Festival—Impact Tournament at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday.
Bailey, the No. 2 freshman in the 2024 Class, had 22 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block for Rutgers (5-2) which kept the game close but couldn't capitalize on key opportunities down the stretch.
The 6-10 guard/forward produced 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 17 minutes of action in the first half. He scored his first two points on a jumper, giving Rutgers an early 4-0 edge. Bailey then passed to an open Tyson Acuff, who buried a 3-pointer for a 13-10 lead.
The McEachern product went on a seven-point tear, which was capped off by a highlight-reel dunk off a steal, handing Rutgers the lead back, 23-22. Bailey made two more jumpers that put them up 36-33 at the 3:50 mark. Alabama, however, closed with an 8-5 run and forced a 41-41 standoff at the half.
Bailey took eight minutes to score in the second half, burying a jumper that reduced the deficit to six with 11:47 left. He made two free throws and a jumper that kept the Scarlet Knights in striking distance, 77-71.
Bailey gave Rutgers a golden chance to reverse their fortunes after a 3-pointer to cut Alabama's lead to three but the Steve Pikiell-coached squad couldn't get over the hump, as Alabama had enough arsenal in the crucial moments to win the game.
Here are Ace Bailey's stats in Rutgers' loss to Alabama.
Scarlet Knights vs Crimson Tide Game Recap: Alabama holds off Rutgers for sixth win
Alabama and Rutgers were engaged in a dogfight with both teams trying their best to qualify for the tournament finale.
The Crimson Tide launched a crucial 7-0 run to increase their lead to 87-78. Rutgers responded with a 9-1 spurt that reduced the deficit to one, 88-87, with 2:23 left.
But a more experienced Alabama squad willed its way to victory, making 7 of 8 free throws to hold off the upstart Scarlet Knights, who wasted a 37-point night by freshman Dylan Harper.
Alabama made 51.7% of their shots, limiting Rutgers to 44.6% from the field. The Crimson Tide made 10 of 25 attempts from the 3-point line, holding off a misfiring Rutgers squad, who buried 2 of 13 attempts from deep.
The Scarlet Knights made 85.7% of their free throws, with Harper making 15 of 16 shots, but they couldn't capitalize on 20 Alabama turnovers and ended up absorbing their second loss of the season.
Mark Sears led Alabama's offense with 24 points while Grant Nelson added 17 points and nine rebounds. Derrion Reed, Mouhamed Dioubate and Jarin Stevenson contributed 10 each.
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