This was supposed to be the year for one Rutgers basketball fan — not only for his favorite team to put together a season for the ages, but 2025 would be the year he became a first-time father. He drives nearly three hours from his home in the Hudson Valley to come to every Rutgers home game.

Dylan Harper's 25 points led five Rutgers scorers in double figures, and Harper dished nine assists to lead the Scarlet Knights to a 95-85 defeat of Southern California on Sunday in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Freshman Dylan Harper scored 25 points to guide Rutgers to a 95-85 victory over USC on Sunday night. Harper made 9 of 13 shots with four 3-pointers and all three of his free throws for the Scarlet Knights (14-14,

Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and the Scarlet Knights host USC in men's basketball, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J.

Rutgers basketball hasn't locked up a spot in the Big Ten Tournament, but beating USC put it in a good spot to hope for a miracle run.

Rutgers beats USC to win their second game in a row 95-85, behind what could easily be their most complete performance of the season. Everything seemed to go right for Rutgers on the offensive side. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey combined for 39 points with Lathan Sommerville tacking on 10.