“If only Dylan Harper could shoot”: College hoops fans criticize Rutgers freshman despite 21 points in loss vs Kennesaw State
Despite scoring a team-high 21 points, star guard Dylan Harper faced criticism for his performance in No. 24 Rutgers' 79-77 loss to Kennesaw State at the KSU Convocation Center.
The Scarlet Knights trailed for most of the game, entering halftime down 18 points with a 44-26 deficit. However, Rutgers mounted a second-half rally, led by Harper, who finished with 21 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and two steals.
Despite his strong stat line, Harper drew criticism online. While he led the team in points, assists, and minutes, the 18-year-old was accused of inefficient play, taking 18 shots and making 10. His three-point shooting was also scrutinized, as he connected just 1 of 4 attempts.
Keith Smith from the NBA Front Office Show wrote:
“Disappointing games from both Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper on the road at Kennesaw State. It's been a really fun environment, and the Owls have taken it to Rutgers this afternoon.”
Sean Paul of Field of 68 Hoops commented:
"Kennesaw State's two stud freshmen Adrian Wooley and Jamil Miller have been flat out better than Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper today. If the Owls win, that's why." - @SeanPaulCBB
X (Twitter) user @78zzz_ remarked:
"If only Dylan Harper could shoot."
Another critique came from @jason051198, who tweeted:
"Dylan Harper needs to start playing defense."
"Dylan Harper is getting shut down by Kennesaw St's defense Holy sh*t," tweeted @uconnhoopskev.
X user @Quinceyjakarii remarked:
"Kennesaw state defense has Dylan Harper in all types of hell, Ace in foul trouble but still doing that Tmac thing but adding defense. Rutgers getting Molly whopped though at halftime 🤣"
Rutgers experienced its first loss after starting strong with victories against Wagner, Saint Peter's, Monmouth, and Merrimack. Next, the Scarlet Knights will compete in the Players First Tournament, where they will face Notre Dame on Tuesday and No. 8 Alabama on Wednesday.
Rutgers' comeback effort comes up short
Rutgers clawed back from a 20-point first-half deficit, cutting the lead to two after Ace Bailey drained a three-pointer with 50 seconds left in the game. Simeon Cottle missed a jumper on the next possession, but Kennesaw State secured the offensive rebound, and Rongie Gordon sank two clutch free throws to extend the Owls' lead to 79-75 with 27 seconds remaining.
Dylan Harper followed his missed shot, converting a layup to bring Rutgers within two points with 15 seconds left. However, after Kennesaw State’s Delaney Heard missed both free throws, Adrian Wooley intercepted Bailey's cross-court pass, securing the win for the Owls.
The Scarlet Knights opened the second half with a 10-0 run and shot 50% from the field after halftime but were unable to take the lead, coming as close as two points in the closing moments. A key halftime adjustment focused on getting Harper to attack the rim, leading to 24 points in the paint in the second half. However, Rutgers’ struggles from beyond the arc, shooting just 8-of-25, proved detrimental to their game plan.