17,000 fans at Madison Square Garden help Ace Bailey, Jordan Derkack feel elated despite nail biting loss to Tom Izzo's Michigan

Rutgers Scarlett Knights guards Ace Bailey and Jordan Derkack just had one of the most memorable games they've ever been a part of in their collegiate careers. On Saturday, their team hosted the Tom Izzo-coached Michigan State Spartans, and although they lost by seven, 81-74, the fact that they played at the iconic Madison Square Garden with 17,000 fans in attendance made it unforgettable.

During the post-game press conference, both players expressed their feelings in front of thousands of Rutgers faithful in the New York Knicks' arena, with Derkack even acknowledging the competition against a tactician like Izzo.

"I'm a (New) Jersey kid so I've kind of been around. So, playing at MSG today was really cool for me. Then, to play against a coach, the magnitude of Tom Izzo, legendary coach, it was a great experience. Our fans traveled today, they got out here. It was loud. They gave us some life especially in the end of that game, so I want to applaud that to them," Derkcack said. (3:37)

Bailey then echoed the same sentiments as his fifth-year forward, sharing:

"Add on to what Jordan said, playing in front of them was just a blessing. A lot of people don't get to play in the Garden. It was my first time playing in the Garden so playing in front of 17,000 Rutgers fans, it was dope (and) fun. Like what Jordan said, they gave us life towards the end when we started trapping and everything." (4:15)

"Feeding off the energy they was giving us to us, I can say that was a blessing. It was great," he then concluded.

Derkack top-scored in the game, tying his career-high of 26 points on 7-for-11 shooting, along with four rebounds, an assist, and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench. Bailey, meanwhile, posted 18 markers but did it on an abysmal 4-of-17 from the field with a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe with nine boards and two steals.

Ace Bailey feels he can improve on team chemistry

Although he is having an individually great potential one-and-done stint with the Scarlett Knights, Ace Bailey believes that he can still connect with his team better. This is something he touched on during the presser as his team sits at 3-6 in conference play with a .500 overall record, 10-10.

"I can improve on a lot. Staying connected with the teammates, us figuring it out, us rebounding...I mean the little stuff too also. Talking, that was a big role I feel like I slacked in but I could have did better in. Jus talking more so I can improve more, wave more and talking in the defensive side," Bailey said. (5:10)

The standout rookie and the rest of the Steve Pikiell-coached squad will have another chance to figure out what schemes work best for them as they match up against the Northwestern Wildcats on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 29, for another Big Ten showcase.