As Rutgers attempted to mount a comeback against No. 8 Michigan State in the second half of Saturday’s matchup at Madison Square Garden, it did so without one of its best players. Five-star freshman Dylan Harper played just 13 minutes during the Scarlet Knights’ 81-74 loss to the Spartans,

Rutgers basketball needed a signature victory to boost its fading March Madness chances, but the Scarlet Knights couldn't keep up with Michigan State.

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell gave a promising development on injured star guard Dylan Harper in a post-game press conference on Saturday following the Scarlet Knights' 81-74 defeat against the No.

That's 12 straight wins for No. 8 Michigan State men's basketball. The Spartans did enough to come out on top in its meeting with Rutgers at Madison Square Gard

Here is what they’re saying about Rutgers after the crucial victory: “Rutgers has a pulse! Huge win at Nebraska, snapping Cornhuskers 20-game home win streak. It’s a long climb, but this is a start.” — Zach Braziller, New York Post.

Rutgers has two bonafide stars in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both of whom project as top-five picks in the NBA Draft. So, why are the Scarlet Knights so bad?

Madness hopes all but vanish against Michigan State, Jay Wright and Tom Izzo had some insights on Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey

Get real-time COLLEGEBASKETBALL basketball coverage and scores as Michigan St. Spartans takes on Rutgers Scarlet Knights. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats, and recaps on CBSSports.com

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Freshman guard Jase Richardson scored a career-high 20 points and No. 8 Michigan State rolled to its 12th consecutive victory, beating Rutgers 81-74 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

A nagging ankle sprain for Harper and the tough defense of No. 8 Michigan State on Bailey limited their impact on Saturday as the Scarlet Knights fell, 81-74. Bailey finished with 18 points on 4-for-17 shooting, while Harper put up six in limited minutes.

Mountain View Prep four-star running back Jaylen McGill has committed to Rutgers, he announced on Saturday afternoon.