Rutgers and Indiana met in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday night in a game that had major NCAA Tournament implications. The Scarlet Knights were without their leading scorer, Ron Harper Jr., who was out with an injury. The Hoosiers took advantage of Harper's absence, cruising to a 79-71 victory.
Harper is one of the most dynamic players in the Big Ten, and his absence was a major blow to Rutgers. He is averaging 15.8 points per game this season and is a key part of the Scarlet Knights' offense. Without him, Rutgers struggled to create any consistent offense against Indiana's defense.
The Hoosiers were led by Trayce Jackson-Davis, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jackson-Davis was a force in the paint all night, and he was too much for Rutgers to handle without Harper on the floor.
The loss was a tough one for Rutgers, who had been playing well entering the Big Ten Tournament. The Scarlet Knights had won four of their last five games, and they were hoping to make a run in the tournament.
However, Indiana was simply too tough of a matchup without Harper. The Hoosiers are one of the best teams in the Big Ten, and they are a threat to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Harper's absence had a major impact on Rutgers' offense. The Scarlet Knights shot just 38.5% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. They also turned the ball over 14 times.
Without Harper, Rutgers' offense was one-dimensional. The Scarlet Knights relied heavily on long-range shots, and they struggled to get to the basket. Indiana's defense was able to close out on Rutgers' shooters, and the Scarlet Knights were unable to create any good looks at the rim.
In Harper's absence, Caleb Bailey stepped up for Rutgers. Bailey finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds. He was the only Rutgers player to score in double figures.
Bailey was aggressive all night, and he was able to get to the rim against Indiana's defense. He also hit several big shots from three-point range.
Bailey's performance was a bright spot for Rutgers in an otherwise disappointing night. He showed that he is capable of being a leader for the Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers' loss to Indiana was a tough one, but it is important to remember that the Scarlet Knights were without their leading scorer. Harper is a key part of Rutgers' team, and his absence was a major factor in the loss.
Despite the loss, Rutgers can still make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The Scarlet Knights have a talented team, and they have shown that they can beat anyone when they are playing their best.
Harper's absence will be a challenge, but Rutgers has the depth to overcome it. The Scarlet Knights will need to find other players to step up, and they will need to play together as a team.
If they can do that, Rutgers can still make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.