“People are so quick to sh*t on Ace Bailey”: College hoops fans react as Rutgers freshman impresses with 24 points

Ace Bailey finally showed what he is capable of in Rutgers' 91-64 win over Columbia on Monday night. He tied his career-high with 24 points in the Scarlet Knights' final game of the year. Bailey wreaked havoc against the Lions' defense at Jersey Mike's Arena, shooting 11-for-18 from the field.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (#4) makes a basket assisted by guard Dylan Harper (#2) as Columbia Lions forward Jake Tavroff (34) defends during the second half. Photo: Imagn

Bailey came close to recording his fifth double-double of the season, collecting eight boards in 31 minutes of action. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end, recording two blocks and one steal. Bailey did most of his damage in the first half, scoring 17 of his 24 points to help Rutgers build a 44-35 advantage at the break.

The Chattanooga native has now scored at least 20 points in five of the 11 games he has played for Rutgers this season. He reached that mark in the games against Merrimack, Alabama, Texas A&M, Seton Hall, and Columbia. College hoops fans took to X to react to Bailey's latest offensive masterclass.

"Not saying he’ll be ANYTHING like him but Ace Bailey kinda reminds me of Giannis man. Them mfs getting downhill no matter what," one fan wrote.

"Ace Bailey so talented it’s crazy. He reminds me of Jabari Smith," one fan shared.

"Rutgers' Ace Bailey is the real deal," one fan claimed.

Here are some other reactions:

"People are so quick to sh*t on Ace Bailey when he has an off game but I don’t see anything when he plays well," one fan commented.

"Ace Bailey > Cooper Flagg. Argue with a wall (I’m also a Duke fan)," another fan chimed in.

"The college game is easy for Ace Bailey. He can do whatever he wants whenever he wants with ease," one fan pointed out.

Ace Bailey gets help from Dylan Harper in win vs Columbia

It wasn't just Ace Bailey who dazzled against the Columbia Lions. Dylan Harper entered the record books, becoming the first Rutgers player to notch a triple-double since Roy Hinson accomplished that feat against the Rhode Island Rams on Mar. 2, 1983.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (#2) looks to attack the defense of Columbia Lions guard Kenny Noland (#2) at Jersey Mike's Arena. Photo: Imagn

Harper dissected Columbia's defense, recording 16 points, a career-high 12 assists and 11 rebounds. He was lights out from beyond the arc, knocking down four of his seven attempts from the three-point area.