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.

A big reason why Rutgers was able to get the win was the return of Dylan Harper to the lineup. Harper has been battling an ankle injury, but he was able to play against Illinois. He did not disappoint.

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.