Did Ace Bailey play against Saint Peter's? The latest on Rutgers freshman's health status
Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey hasn't played a single minute in the 2024-25 college basketball season with the Scarlet Knights coaching staff providing no update on the five-star recruit.
No. 24 Rutgers came from behind to beat Saint Peter's 75-65 on Monday (November 11) to improve 2-0 this season. No. 4-ranked freshman Dylan Harper led the team with 24 points while fellow rookie Lathan Sommerville added 14 for the Scarlet Knights, who missed the services of Bailey for the second straight game.
The 6-foot-10 guard has continued to ride the bench since Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell announced that his much-awaited collegiate debut would be delayed in the team's season opener against Wagner. Bailey was ruled out after sustaining an undisclosed injury during practice a week ago (per AP).
The No. 24-ranked Rutgers looked vulnerable in the first half against Saint Peter's which led 42-37. The Scarlet Knights used an 11-0 run in the closing moments of the encounter to erase a one-point deficit and secure the victory.
In a post-game interview, Pikiell said Bailey is 'close' to making his debut with the team. His status was day-to-day starting in the game against Wagner and the Scarlet Knights coach expects the guard to play when healthy.
Rutgers aims for third-straight win against Monmouth
Rutgers will seek its third-straight win as it takes on Monmouth on Friday (November 15) at the Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Tipoff is set at 6:30 p.m. ET and the Scarlet Knights look to exact revenge on the team's 73-67 loss to the Hawks in 2015.
It is the 11th meeting of both squads, with Rutgers leading the all-time series, 9-1. If this year's performances are considered, the Scarlet Knights are headed to their third-straight win and will inflict the Hawks another loss this season.
Monmouth suffered lopsided losses against Michigan State (57-81) and Temple (74-103), while Rutgers beat Wagner (75-52) and Saint Peter's (75-65) despite the absence of No. 2-ranked freshman Ace Bailey.
The Scarlet Knights rode on the shoulders of Dylan Harper in the first two games. Harper, the fourth-ranked high school prospect in the Class of 2024, averaged 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He will likely take the lead again in offense if Ace Bailey continues to be shaken up by the undisclosed ailment.
Fortunately for coach Steve Pikiell, another freshman has stepped up while Bailey is unavailable. Lathan Somerville has played the role of Rutgers' second option, tallying 12.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, and 2.0 bpg. Somerville has provided the instant offense for Rutgers off the bench and Bailey would likely keep his role as backup center unless Pikiell shuffles his roster.
Other Scarlet Knights players who have produced in Bailey's absence were Jordan Derkack, PJ Hayes IV, Zach Martini, and Jeremiah Williams.
Will Rutgers win its third straight game against Monmouth? Let us know your views in the comments section.