RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS NEWS

No. 19 Rutgers beats No. 13 Illinois to remain unbeaten

Ron Harper Jr. scored 28 points, Jacob Young added 24 and No. 19 Rutgers overcame a double-digit first-half deficit to beat No. 13 Illinois 91-88

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dealing with sprained ankle Mag has missed the team's last two games after suffering a sprained ankle in practice, Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press Press reports.

Impact Despite missing Rutgers' previous two games, head coach Steve Pikiell didn't sound too concerned about Mag's injury stating after Sunday's big win over Illinois that the freshman forward will be fine and just has to go through the proper rehab before he's cleared to return. Rutgers next plays against Ohio State on Wednesday which will give Mag a few more days to heal up.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Exits with knee injury Omoruyi recorded two rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 10 minutes of action before leaving Sunday's game against Illinois with a knee injury, Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Pres...

Impact Omoruyi suffered a non-contact knee injury two minutes into the second half and required assistance getting off the court. He went back into the locker room and later returned to the bench with a brace on his right knee but never re-entered the game. Head coach Steve Pikiell couldn't provide much of an update on the injury after the game but is hopeful the issue is nothing major. Omoruyi is expected to have his knee checked out Monday to determine the severity of the injury.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Still not starting Baker is not included in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Illinois.

Impact Baker returned to action last Monday after missing three games ankle sprain but came off the bench. It's expected that he'll retain his starting role down the road but that won't happen Sunday as he'll enter the game off the bench while backing up Paul Mulcahy for a second straight game.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

No. 13 Illinois faces tough test vs No. 19 Rutgers

No. 19 Rutgers presents a tough challenge for No. 13 Illinois

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lights up scoreboard in win Harper posted 27 points (10-17 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-5 FT), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal over 30 minutes in Monday's 74-60 win over Maryland.

Impact Harper has been the Scarlet Knights' most prolific scorer early in the season, and he didn't miss a beat as the team began conference play Monday. The junior has attempted at least 11 field goals in each of the first five games this year while serving as a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Totals 16 rebounds Monday Johnson recorded 10 points (4-4 FG, 2-2 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 25 minutes in Monday's 74-60 win over Maryland.

Impact Johnson has come off the bench in every contest to begin the season, but he's played a much more significant role recently. He's posted double-doubles in each of the past two games while playing at least 25 minutes on each of those occasions. He logged a career-high 16 rebounds in Monday's conference opener, and he could continue to play a more significant role for the Scarlet Knights going forward.

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 15 in return Baker (ankle) had 15 points (6-14 FG, 3-6 3Pt) to go along with three rebounds and three assists across 28 minutes off the bench in Monday's 74-60 victory over Maryland.

Impact While Baker participated in warmups Monday, not much was expected from the senior after he wasn't in the announced starting lineup. Baker ultimately defied expectations, missing only three games due to what was considered a serious ankle sprain. He'll have some time to recover before Sunday's contest against Illinois, where a return to the starting five seems like the logical next step. While Rutgers has been getting strong performances from the likes of Ron Harper and Jacob Young in his absence, it was Baker who had been considered the team's primary offensive option heading into the season.

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Terrapins have no answer for Harper’s hot shooting in loss to Rutgers Maryland suffered its second straight defeat, failing to rebound from last week’s heavy loss to Clemson with another uneven shooting display...

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

Harper carries No. 19 Rutgers past Maryland 74-60 in Big Ten COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Ron Harper Jr. scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half, and No. 19 Rutgers won its Big Ten opener for the fir...

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • SFCHRONICLE.COM

Harper carries No. 19 Rutgers past Maryland 74-60 in Big Ten

Ron Harper Jr. scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half, and No. 19 Rutgers won its Big Ten opener for the first time in school history, grinding past Maryland 74-60 Monday ni...

DECEMBER 15, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rutgers at Maryland odds, picks and prediction Previewing Monday’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Maryland Terrapins sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips...

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

Warming up Monday Baker (ankle) was spotted warming up ahead of Monday's game with Marland, Lila Bromberg of Yahoo Sports reports.

Impact Baker was considered questionable according to coach Steve Pikiell. It's still not clear if he will indeed suit up, but Baker is likely testing his ankle to see how it feels. If he can play it would give a huge lift to the Scarlet Knights.

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Has a shot to play Monday Baker (ankle) is considered questionable for Monday's matchup at Maryland, Jeff Goodman of WatchStadium.com reports.

Impact Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell relayed that Baker is coming off a good day of practice and that "maybe he can get on the court tonight" in reference to the senior's status. Baker suffered this injury in the season opener and has missed all three games since, though the Scarlet Knights remain a perfect 4-0. If that streak is going to continue into Big Ten play, Rutgers will certainly need last year's second-leading scorer. Baker's eventual return will likely affect the minutes of Paul Mulcahy the most.

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Conference play starts for Rutgers, Maryland

Rutgers and Maryland meet in the first Big Ten game of the season for both teams

DECEMBER 13, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gets in a workout Saturday Baker (ankle) practiced for the first 40 minutes of Saturday's session and will continue to ramp up his activity before being cleared, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports.

Impact Baker suffered a serious ankle sprain in the team's season opener against Sacred Heart but seems to be getting closer to a return. After going 40 minutes in practice Saturday, Baker will likely ramp up his time to an hour Sunday and continue to progress during the upcoming week. Rutgers opens conference play Monday against Maryland but Baker is considered a longshot to be available for that game. There is a chance he could return Dec. 20 against Illinois, however.

DECEMBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Posts double-double against Orange Young tallied 18 points (6-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 assists, five steals and three rebounds over 39 minutes in Tuesday's 79-69 win over Syracuse.

Impact Young has had a major uptick in usage over the first four games of his senior season, averaging 16.0 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds over 34.0 minutes per contest. He struggled with ball control Tuesday with five turnovers, but he made up for it with a season-high five steals and 10 assists in the win over Syracuse.

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Paces Scarlet Knights in scoring Harper totaled 26 points (9-13 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds and two assists over 38 minutes in Tuesday's 79-69 win over Syracuse.

Impact Harper has been a major contributor for Rutgers to begin the season, and he was incredibly efficient from the floor as he led the team in scoring against the Orange. The junior has a 60.3 percent field-goal conversion rate over the first four games of the year, and he's averaging 22.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 32.5 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Ron Harper Jr. leads No. 21 Rutgers past Syracuse, 79-69 PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and No. 21 Rutgers took over a close game down the stretch to beat Syracuse 79-69 on...

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • OLEANTIMESHERALD.COM

Ron Harper Jr. leads No. 21 Rutgers past Syracuse, 79-69 Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and No. 21 Rutgers took over a close game down the stretch to beat Syracuse 79-69 on Tuesday night in the AC...

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

Ron Harper Jr. leads No. 21 Rutgers past Syracuse, 79-69 PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and No. 21 Rutgers took over a close game down the stretch to beat Syracuse 79-69 on...

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • SFCHRONICLE.COM

Ron Harper Jr. leads No. 21 Rutgers past Syracuse, 79-69 Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and No. 21 Rutgers took over a close game down the stretch to beat Syracuse 79-69 on Tuesday night in the AC...

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Harper scores 26 to lead No. 21 Rutgers past Syracuse, 79-69

Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and No. 21 Rutgers took over a close game down the stretch to beat Syracuse 79-69 on Tuesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

You grade the Orange: Rate Syracuse basketball’s performance at Rutgers Rate the Orange's game against the Scarlet Knights.

DECEMBER 9, 2020 • SYRACUSE.COM

'Full warning': Older basketball coaches at work in pandemic FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2018, file photo, Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer reacts in the final minutes of an NCAA college basketball ga...

DECEMBER 8, 2020 • TUCSON.COM