Ace Bailey helps Rutgers end 3-game skid with 75-68 win over UCLA

PISCATAWAY, NJ – Freshman Ace Bailey had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Rutgers beat UCLA 75-68 on Monday night, ending the Scarlet Knights’ three-game losing streak by extending the Bruins’ hitting streak to four.

Bailey made 7 of 13 three-pointers and all five of his free throws for Rutgers (9-8, 2-4 Big Ten Conference). He also blocked three shots en route to his fifth double-double of the season.

Dylan Harper hit two 3-pointers and scored 18 for the Scarlet Knights. Jeremiah Williams scored 11 points off the bench on 5-for-7 shooting.

Eric Dailey Jr. and reserve Sebastian Mack each scored 16 goals to lead UCLA (11-6, 2-4), which was ranked 15th before the slide. Kobe Johnson scored 13 goals.

Lazar Stefanovic hit a 3-pointer to start a 7-0 run for UCLA to start the game. Rutgers tied the score at 16 on a Williams layup. Mack answered with a layup and the Bruins had a 33-30 lead at the break.

Bailey hit a missed shot for Rutgers early in the second half, and Harper followed with back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Scarlet Knights their first lead. UCLA fought back to tie the game at 41 on a Dailey basket. Tyson Acuff answered with a 3-pointer and Bailey hit a jumper to give the Scarlet Knights a 46-41 lead with 14:46 left.

Rutgers never trailed for the final 19:04.

The two schools played three previous times between 1976-81, with UCLA winning twice. The Bruins have never played on Rutgers’ home floor.

Up next: Rutgers travels to Nebraska on Thursday. UCLA will host Iowa on Friday.