Freshman sensation Ace Bailey couldn't secure a homecoming victory as No. 24 Rutgers lost to Kennesaw State 79-77 on Sunday at the KSU Convocation Center. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell planned the game to give Bailey and sophomore Jamichael Davis a chance to play near their hometown.
Both hail from Chattanooga, Tennessee—just 90 minutes from KSU—and Bailey attended McEachern High School, only 13 miles away. However, the much-anticipated return did not go as hoped.
Bailey struggled for much of the game but made a late effort to turn things around in the second half.
He ended the game with 17 points, one rebound, one steal, and one block while shooting 6-for-17 from the field and 4-for-10 from beyond the arc in 32 minutes of play.
Alongside freshman Dylan Harper, Bailey fueled a late-game rally, combining for 17 points in the final eight minutes. Despite this push, the Scarlet Knights faltered in the final seconds following a 12-3 run over the last three minutes. Bailey's overaggressive play ultimately sealed their fate.
After Kennesaw State missed two free throws, Ace Bailey took the ball past midcourt with a chance to tie or win. Instead of driving or shooting, he attempted an ill-advised pass to center Zach Martini, resulting in a turnover. The Owls capitalized on the mistake, completing the upset on their home court.
The Scarlet Knights began the second half with a strong 10-0 run and shot 50% from the field after the break but couldn't overcome an early 21-point deficit. Although they came within two points in the final seconds, Rutgers fell just short of a dramatic comeback.
Ace Bailey, Rutgers fall to first loss of the season
No. 24 Rutgers faced its toughest challenge of the season, falling short in a thrilling Sunday showdown in Georgia.
Beyond standout freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, only Emmanuel Ogbole reached double figures for the Scarlet Knights, contributing 10 points, two rebounds, and a steal.
PJ Hayes IV made an impact off the bench with eight points, five rebounds, and three steals but struggled with foul trouble, finishing with four fouls. Jeremiah Williams also played a key role as a reserve, adding eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and four steals.
Speaking postgame about Ace Bailey's performance, coach Steve Pickiell said:
"He had foul trouble, and it's probably a lot coming here and home for him, but Ace (Bailey) is a good player, and he has to live through these opportunities and experiences.
"I have a lot of faith in him, and I want to make sure, that he continues for us to rebound, and that's something he did not do a great job at tonight, but he will. He is a good player, and so are the rest of the guys on my team and we will bounce back."
Now 4-1, Rutgers will look to regroup as they head to Las Vegas for the highly competitive Players Era Invitational. Ace Bailey and co. open the tournament against Notre Dame on Tuesday with a clash against powerhouse Alabama looming on Wednesday.
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