PISCATAWAY, NJ — (AP) — Freshman standout Dylan Harper scored 20 points in his highly anticipated debut, leading No. 25 Rutgers to a 75-52 victory over Wagner on Wednesday night in the season opener for both schools.

Harper, a combo guard, is considered one of the best freshmen in the country and, along with fellow freshman forward Ace Bailey, is one of the main reasons the Scarlet Knights entered the season ranked No. 25. He is the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr., who also played at Rutgers and whose father, Ron Harper Sr., was a 15-year NBA veteran.

Rutgers was without Bailey, who was sidelined due to an undisclosed injury he suffered in practice on Monday. His status is commonplace.

Keyontae Lewis led Wagner with 12 points.

PJ Hayes added 12 points and Lathan Sommerville contributed 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Rutgers. Jeremiah Williams added 10 points for the Scarlet Knights.

Harper's only blemish was that he missed five of his six free throw attempts.

Takeaways

Wagner was voted the Northeast Conference co-champion in the preseason but was outperformed in every category.

Bailey's injury isn't expected to keep him out of the lineup for too long. When he returns, he will provide Rutgers with a top inside-outside game with Harper patrolling the sidelines.

Key moment

Rutgers erased a 10-5 Wagner lead by going on a 20-0 run over 10:07 minutes to take a 25-10 lead. Wagner missed 17 shots during the drought. Sommerville led Rutgers with nine points in the spurt.

Key statistics

Rutgers used its speed to outscore Wagner 26-2 on the fast break.

Next

Wagner hosts Manor College (Pa.) of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association on Saturday.

Rutgers hosts in-state rival Saint Peter's on November 11th.

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