Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Princeton Tigers Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Resilient Rutgers Set to Face Princeton in New Jersey Showdown

Fresh off a thrilling buzzer-beating win over rival Seton Hall, Rutgers aims to keep the momentum alive as they take on Princeton on Saturday afternoon in Newark, N.J. This neutral-site game offers the Scarlet Knights a chance at redemption after last year’s season-opening loss to the Tigers.

Rutgers Riding High on Harper’s Heroics

The Scarlet Knights (7-4) enter the matchup on a two-game winning streak, including a dramatic 66-63 victory over Seton Hall. Freshman guard Dylan Harper stole the show with a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer, capping off a 24-point performance. Harper has emerged as one of the brightest stars in college basketball, averaging 23.5 points per game—third best in the nation—along with 4.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

“We are growing,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. “This team has been tough and resilient. We have done a good job but must figure out how to continue doing so. Our team has to and will continue to learn from all the teams’ different styles.”

Harper’s ability to dominate at the rim, where he shoots 59.5 percent inside the arc, will be a critical factor against Princeton.

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Princeton’s Xaivian Lee Stands Out

Princeton (8-4) has also been in strong form, with point guard Xaivian Lee leading the charge. Lee recently recorded the first triple-double in Princeton history—18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists—in a road win over Saint Joseph’s. He followed that up with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 71-67 victory over Monmouth.

Lee’s development as a floor general has been pivotal for the Tigers, and his matchup against Harper promises to be a spectacle.

“I feel like in a game like that last year, if I maybe back-rimmed three 3s, I would kind of shut down a little bit,” Lee said. “So I was happy to see myself still be able to take control and stay confident at the end of the game because my teammates and our coaching staff trust me to make those plays.”

The Ace Bailey Factor

While Harper commands attention, Rutgers’ other five-star freshman, Ace Bailey, adds another layer of complexity for Princeton. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan, Bailey’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare. He averages 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game and can seamlessly play both in the backcourt and as a forward.

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Princeton’s smaller lineup will have to find creative ways to contain Bailey, who can dominate inside and stretch the floor.

Historical Rivalry and Redemption

This game revives a storied rivalry, with Princeton having won four of the last five meetings, including a 68-61 triumph last season. For Rutgers, this contest is about more than revenge—it’s an opportunity to cement their status as the top basketball team in New Jersey.

Key to the Game

The spotlight will undoubtedly be on the point guard duel between Harper and Lee, but the game could hinge on how well Princeton can neutralize Bailey’s size and athleticism. Meanwhile, Rutgers will need to sustain their recent defensive intensity and composure in late-game situations to avoid another heartbreaking finish.

With two rising stars and plenty of pride on the line, expect an intense and entertaining clash as Rutgers and Princeton battle for Garden State supremacy.