Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey has been an essential player for the Scarlet Knights this season. Well, it could be said, particularly in the absence of his teammate, Dylan Harper. Now, his performance against Northwestern is surely making the sports world buzz.
Ace Bailey Steps Up for Rutgers in Win Over Northwestern
As one of the top freshmen in the country and a likely top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Bailey has been able to carry the team on his shoulders. In the game, he scored 37 points to lead Rutgers to a 79-72 victory, exemplifying his growing importance to the team.
When Dylan Harper was once again sidelined for the game against Northwestern, Ace Bailey showed why he’s become one of the most talked-about freshmen in the country. The Scarlet Knights fell behind 13-4 early, but Bailey responded by scoring 24 of his 37 points in the first half.
He helped the Rutgers secure a 43-35 lead at halftime. They never lost that lead in the second half, holding off a determined Northwestern team to claim the 79-72 victory. Bailey’s offensive outburst was crucial for Rutgers, especially considering the absence of Harper.
Ace Bailey’s 37-point performance against Northwestern wasn’t just about scoring a lot of points. He did so efficiently, shooting 13-for-20 from the field, including 5 for 8 from three-point range. He was also perfect from the free-throw line, making all six of his attempts.
In addition to his scoring, Bailey also grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots, contributing to the team in a variety of ways. This wasn’t the first time Bailey stepped up when Harper was unavailable.
Bailey’s Consistency in High-Pressure Moments
This game against Northwestern wasn’t an isolated incident for Ace Bailey. Earlier this season, he scored 39 points in a loss to Indiana when Dylan Harper was out of the lineup. When asked about his 37-point performance, Bailey said:
“They gave me the ball when it was time to give me the ball, and I went to work.”
His focus on taking advantage of the opportunities provided to him has been a key to his success. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell echoed that sentiment, calling Bailey special. He also highlighted the importance of his play in leading the team to victory.
Despite Bailey’s outstanding individual performances, Rutgers still has work to do if they want to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. With an 11-10 record, they are still looking in, but Bailey’s efforts have kept them competitive in the Big Ten.
Currently leading the Big Ten in scoring in conference games with 22.1 points per game, Bailey is showing that he can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
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