Ace Bailey helped Rutgers end their three-game losing streak with a 75-68 victory over UCLA on Monday night. This win not only marked a turnaround for the Scarlet Knights but also pushed the Bruins to their fourth consecutive defeat.
Bailey showcased his skills by scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking three shots, achieving his fifth double-double of the season. He shot 7 of 13 from the field, including a 3-pointer, and made all five of his free throw attempts for Rutgers (9-8, 2-4 Big Ten Conference).
Dylan Harper contributed significantly with 18 points, including two 3-pointers, while Jeremiah Williams added 11 points off the bench, shooting 5-for-7.
For UCLA (11-6, 2-4), Eric Dailey Jr. and Sebastian Mack led the team with 16 points each. Kobe Johnson also made an impact with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to change the course of the game.
The game started with a strong 7-0 run by UCLA, capped off by a 3-pointer from Lazar Stefanovic. However, Rutgers fought back, tying the game at 16 with a layup from Williams. The Bruins managed to lead 33-30 at halftime, but the tide turned in the second half.
Bailey began the second half by tipping in a missed shot, and Harper quickly followed with two consecutive 3-pointers, giving Rutgers their first lead of the game. UCLA tied it at 41, but the Scarlet Knights responded with a 3-pointer from Tyson Acuff and a jumper from Bailey, pushing their lead to 46-41 with 14:46 left on the clock.
From that point forward, Rutgers maintained control, never trailing for the final 19 minutes of the game.
Historically, Rutgers and UCLA met three times between 1976 and 1981, with UCLA winning two of those matchups. This was the first time the Bruins played on Rutgers’ home court.
Looking ahead, Rutgers will travel to Nebraska for their next game on Thursday, while UCLA prepares to host Iowa on Friday.
