Thrilling Showdown: Rutgers Edges Out Nebraska 85-82 in a Nail-Biting Clash (Jan 16, 2025)

LINCOLN, Neb. — — Freshman Ace Bailey tallied 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Dylan Harper contributed 21 as Rutgers staged a comeback to defeat Nebraska 85-82 on Thursday evening.

Bailey converted both attempts in a one-and-one free-throw situation, securing a four-point advantage for the Scarlet Knights (10-8, 3-4 Big Ten Conference) with just 10 seconds remaining. He had missed the first attempt at the charity stripe 11 seconds prior when Rutgers led 81-77. Following Bailey’s miss, Brice Williams scored a layup and then hit a 3-pointer, pulling the Cornhuskers (12-5, 2-4) within one point with five seconds left. Dylan Grant received a pass from Bailey and sank a jumper to finalize the victory.

Bailey made four 3-pointers en route to his sixth double-double of the campaign. Harper connected on 8 of 17 attempts including three 3-pointers. Dylan Grant contributed 15 points. Zach Martini added three 3-pointers and totaled 11 points.

Williams led Nebraska with 21 points. Juwan Gary finished with 20 points and seven rebounds. Bench players Connor Essegian and Andrew Morgan scored 12 and 11 points, respectively. Rollie Worster added 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Bailey scored 11 points and Grant added nine to assist Rutgers in claiming a 40-37 lead at halftime.

Braxton Meah and Gary each contributed four points during an 8-0 surge to start the second half, allowing Nebraska to pull ahead by five. Bailey sank 3-pointers at both ends of a late 10-4 run, giving the Scarlet Knights a 77-76 advantage with 3:38 remaining. Harper followed with consecutive layups, ensuring Rutgers maintained the lead for the remainder of the game.

Nebraska is set to face Maryland on Sunday. Rutgers will play against Penn State on Monday.

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