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"Can't believe Rutgers almost choked that": Fans go wild as Dylan Harper overshadows Ace Bailey in close win vs Penn State

Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey combined for 39 points to lead the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to an 80-76 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions at Jersey Mike's Arena on Tuesday night. The Scarlet Knights survived a furious second-half rally from the Nittany Lions to improve their overall record to 6-4.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights' Dylan Harper (#2) and Ace Bailey (#4) in action during the second half of their NCAA men's basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Photo: Imagn
Rutgers Scarlet Knights' Dylan Harper (#2) and Ace Bailey (#4) in action during the second half of their NCAA men's basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Photo: Imagn

Harper stuffed the stat sheet against Penn State, scoring 24 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out five assists. He also had two blocks and one steal in 34 minutes of action. Harper shot 8-for-14, including 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Bailey posted his third career double-double with Rutgers, finishing the game with 15 points and 15 rebounds. He shot 6-for-14 from the floor and 3-for-5 from the free-throw line. It was the first time this season that Harper and Bailey both had a double-double in the same game.

College hoops fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Rutgers' narrow victory and compare the Scarlet Knights' two basketball stars.

"Can’t believe Rutgers almost choked that game away. That was a lackluster offensive performance, especially in the first half and specifically from Ace. Dylan Harper is incredible, maybe the best player in the draft. Ace Bailey is a great rebounder," one fan wrote.
"The game just comes so easy to Dylan Harper and he has such great size for a college guard. This is why I thought he would be much better in college than Ace Bailey. He’s just way more polished at this point in his career," another fan said.
"Dylan Harper is better than Ace Bailey," one user claimed.

Here are some other reactions.

"Dylan Harper > Ace Bailey," one fan wrote.
"Dylan Harper is better than Ace Bailey. Ace way more athletic, more hops, one fan said.
"Who knew that Dylan Harper would look so much better than Ace Bailey coming into the season? Harper could end up being the #1 pick," another fan added.

Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey take over in Rutgers' win over Penn State

Dylan Harper scored 15 of his 22 points in the first half, helping Rutgers build a 48-33 lead at the break. He drained three consecutive 3-pointers in the first quarter to give the Scarlet Knights a lead they would never relinquish.

Rutgers' Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket in the game against Penn State. Photo: Imagn
Rutgers' Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket in the game against Penn State. Photo: Imagn

Rutgers had some nervy moments, with Penn State cutting the deficit to two points with 1:56 left through a jumper from Ace Baldwin Jr.

Bailey stepped up down the stretch, scoring the Scarlet Knights' last three points to snap their three-game losing skid.

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