In a nail-biting matchup at Jersey Mike's Arena, the Rutgers basketball team narrowly escaped an upset bid from the Saint Peter's Peacocks, prevailing 75-65. Despite facing a tense one-point game late in the second half, the Scarlet Knights displayed resilience and poise, led by a gutsy performance from junior wing Jordan Derkack.

Rutgers Showcases Depth and Composure in Thrilling Victory

Derkack's Calming Influence Sparks Rutgers' Comeback

With the game hanging in the balance, Derkack, a transfer from Merrimack, stepped up and provided the leadership Rutgers needed. Sensing the tension in the huddle, Derkack urged his teammates to stay focused and composed, reminding them of their talent and hard work. His calming presence helped the Scarlet Knights regain their composure and close out the game with a 13-4 run.Derkack's impact went beyond his nine points, six rebounds, and two assists. His timely passes and hustle plays ignited the crowd and sparked Rutgers' offense. Early in the second half, Derkack's spectacular skip pass to Jeremiah Williams for a transition layup set the tone for the Scarlet Knights' comeback. He later made a series of savvy plays, including a post-up, a swing pass to an open shooter, and a "hockey assist" that led to a layup, showcasing his high basketball IQ."He's got a toughness about him and a calmness too, about him in those huddles," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. "That's what experience does for you, and he brings a lot to us here."

Dylan Harper Continues to Impress as Rutgers' Rising Star

Freshman guard Dylan Harper once again led the way for Rutgers, pouring in 24 points and grabbing six rebounds. The highly touted recruit has now scored at least 20 points in each of his first two collegiate games, becoming the first Rutgers freshman to accomplish this feat since 1972.Harper's poise and decision-making were on full display, as he drew seven fouls and made seven of his eight free throw attempts. Saint Peter's coach Bashir Mason praised Harper's ability to control the game, saying, "He started out that second half, he was going to put the team on his back. He settled everybody else down and kind of controlled the game the rest of the way."Rutgers' reliance on Harper's scoring and leadership is a testament to the team's depth, as they continue to navigate the early season without star freshman Ace Bailey, who remains sidelined due to injury.

Defensive Adjustments and Crowd Energy Fuel Rutgers' Second-Half Surge

Rutgers' defense was a point of emphasis heading into the game, and the Scarlet Knights struggled to contain Saint Peter's in the first half. The Peacocks shot 42% from the field and 37% from three-point range, taking advantage of Rutgers' defensive breakdowns.However, Pikiell made some key adjustments at halftime, and the Scarlet Knights clamped down in the second half, holding Saint Peter's to just 26% shooting. PJ Hayes credited the home crowd for providing an extra boost, saying, "It's also a testament to the fans. I've never experienced something like this. To hear their roar, I knew our defense was locking that stuff down."The defensive improvements, coupled with the energy from the crowd, allowed Rutgers to regain control of the game and secure the victory. While the Scarlet Knights still have work to do on the defensive end, this character-building win showcased their ability to make in-game adjustments and grind out a tough result.

Sommerville Continues to Impress, Rebounding Remains a Concern

Freshman center Lathan Sommerville continued to outplay starting center Manny Ogbole, tallying 14 points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 24 minutes off the bench. Pikiell praised Sommerville's development, saying, "Lathan is going to play a ton of minutes. We got a lot of guys at that five spot, but he keeps getting better and better."However, the Scarlet Knights' rebounding woes persisted, as they were once again outrebounded by their opponent, this time by a 11-9 margin on the offensive glass. Pikiell acknowledged the need to address this issue, hinting at more lineup experimentation in an effort to improve the team's rebounding performance.

Rutgers' Local Opponent Tour Continues with Monmouth

Rutgers' tour of local opponents continues on Friday, as they host Monmouth at Jersey Mike's Arena. The last meeting between these two programs took place in 2015, when Monmouth emerged victorious. The Hawks have struggled to start the season, with blowout losses to Michigan State and Temple, but they will be looking to bounce back and pull off an upset against the Scarlet Knights.Rutgers will be hoping to get a boost from the potential return of Ace Bailey, who Pikiell said is "close" to making his debut. The Scarlet Knights' depth and versatility will be put to the test as they look to build on their gritty win over Saint Peter's and continue their strong start to the season.