Mon Feb 24 05:30:00 UTC 2025: **Rutgers Freshman Harper Leads Scarlet Knights to Victory Over USC**

PISCATAWAY, NJ – Freshman guard Dylan Harper exploded for 25 points, leading the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to a 95-85 victory over the USC Trojans on Sunday night. The win marks the Scarlet Knights’ second consecutive victory after a recent three-game losing streak, improving their record to 14-14 overall and 7-10 in the Big Ten Conference.

Harper’s impressive performance included 9-of-13 shooting from the field, four three-pointers, and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. He also contributed nine assists. Ace Bailey added 14 points for Rutgers, while Jamichael Davis scored 13, going 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Lathan Sommerville and Tyson Acuff each chipped in 10 points.

Despite a strong effort from USC’s Desmond Claude, who led all scorers with 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting, the Trojans were unable to overcome Rutgers’ balanced attack. Wesley Yates III added 23 points for USC, which has now lost three straight and five of its last six games, bringing their record to 14-13 and 6-10 in conference play.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring multiple lead changes and ties throughout. However, Rutgers pulled away in the second half, building a double-digit lead and ultimately securing the victory. A late surge by USC narrowed the gap, but Davis’ late free throws sealed the win for the Scarlet Knights.

USC will next face Ohio State on Wednesday, while Rutgers heads to Ann Arbor to take on No. 12 Michigan on Thursday.

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