Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Texas A&m Aggies Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Sensational freshman Dylan Harper, Rutgers take on No. 20 Texas A&M

The inaugural Players Era Festival has been a showcase of stellar talent, but no player has turned heads quite like Rutgers’ freshman phenom, Dylan Harper. With back-to-back breakout performances, Harper has solidified his status as one of college basketball’s most electrifying young stars. Now, Harper and his Scarlet Knights will face a formidable test against No. 20 Texas A&M in the fifth-place game on Saturday in Las Vegas.

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Dylan Harper’s Dominance

In two standout games this week, Harper has proven why he’s one of the most highly-touted freshmen in the country.

• Against Notre Dame: Harper scored 36 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out six assists in an 85-84 overtime victory. His go-ahead free throw sealed the win in a game that featured 10 ties and 16 lead changes.
• Against Alabama: Harper outdid himself with a career-high 37 points in a narrow 95-90 loss to the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide.

Harper’s offensive efficiency has been nothing short of spectacular. Over two games, he’s made 21 of 32 two-point attempts and an astounding 25 of 30 free throws. His ability to attack the rim has drawn praise from Alabama coach Nate Oats, who admitted that none of his players could contain Harper’s dribble drives. Currently, Harper is averaging 24.6 points per game, the third-highest in Division I, along with 4.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per contest.

Ace Bailey: Rutgers’ Other Star Freshman

Harper’s classmate, Ace Bailey, has shown flashes of brilliance. Despite a slower start to the week, Bailey scored 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting against Alabama’s elite defense. Averaging 17.8 points and 5.0 rebounds this season, Bailey’s contributions make Rutgers’ freshman class one of the most formidable in the nation.

Team Challenges and Opportunities

While Harper and Bailey have dazzled, Rutgers faces challenges that could prove pivotal against Texas A&M:

• Rebounding Issues: The Scarlet Knights have a minus-1.5 rebounding margin this season, which hurt them in their loss to Alabama.
• 3-Point Inconsistency: Rutgers shot just 2-for-13 from beyond the arc against Alabama, highlighting a key area for improvement.

Despite these weaknesses, Rutgers has demonstrated resilience. After a surprising 79-77 loss to Kennesaw State earlier this week, co-captain Jeremiah Williams inspired the team with his leadership. Harper echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of learning to win in tough situations.

The Challenge Ahead: Texas A&M

Rutgers will need to bring their A-game against a Texas A&M team known for its physicality and dominance on the boards.

• Rebounding Strength: The Aggies rank sixth in Division I with a plus-12.4 rebounding margin. In their win against No. 21 Creighton, they outscored their opponent 42-20 in the paint and grabbed 21 offensive rebounds.
• Top Scorers: Zhuric Phelps (15.2 ppg) and Wade Taylor IV (14.7 ppg) lead the Aggies in scoring, while Henry Coleman II and Andersson Garcia both average seven rebounds per game.

Texas A&M’s physical identity is a product of intense practice sessions. Guard Wade Taylor IV noted that their practice environment, with minimal officiating, fosters a tough, aggressive style of play.

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Key Matchup: Harper vs. A&M Defense

The game’s outcome may hinge on Harper’s ability to penetrate Texas A&M’s defense. If Harper can continue his stellar dribble drives and draw fouls, he could neutralize the Aggies’ physical advantage. On the other hand, Rutgers must improve their rebounding and outside shooting to compete with A&M’s paint dominance.

What’s at Stake?

This matchup is a critical opportunity for both teams:

• For Rutgers: A win would validate the promise of their star-studded freshman class and demonstrate their ability to overcome rebounding challenges against a top-tier opponent.
• For Texas A&M: The Aggies aim to build momentum after a tough loss to Oregon and solidify their status as one of the most physical teams in college basketball.

Final Thoughts

The stage is set for an exciting showdown between Rutgers and Texas A&M. Dylan Harper’s sensational performances have already made him a player to watch, and Ace Bailey is steadily proving his mettle. If Rutgers can address their rebounding and 3-point shooting deficiencies, they stand a chance against a physical Aggies team.

The question remains: Will Harper’s brilliance shine through once again, or will Texas A&M’s physical dominance prove too much? Basketball fans won’t want to miss this high-stakes clash in Las Vegas.