And when fellow five-star freshman Ace Bailey threw down a dunk in transition during Rutgers’ electric start, causing the 8,000 fans in the sold-out barn to create the best home atmosphere of the season, Harper egged them on from midcourt, throwing up his arms and asking for more, more, more.

Then it seemed Illinois might flip the script with a concerted interior effort in the second half against the Scarlet Knights – similar to how they pulled off a comeback win over Ohio State on Sunday.

Dylan Harper returned to score 28 points, fellow freshman Ace Bailey added 18 points and 11 rebounds and Rutgers beat No. 23 Illinois 82-73 on Wednesday night.