No. 25 Rutgers will aim for another strong showing when it hosts Saint Peter’s on Monday night in Piscataway, N.J.The Scarlet Knights (1-0) started the season with a 75-52 victory Wednesday over Wagner despite the absence of Ace Bailey, the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit in 2024.Bailey, a 6-foot-10 guard/forward, is listed as day-to-day after suffering an unspecified injury during practice last week.”Every year is exciting in its own way, but every year is challenging in its own way too,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. “So quick reminder with Ace, the challenges that come with your season and having guys ready, and early in the season, is always a challenge.”Another five-star recruit, guard Dylan Harper, led host Rutgers with 20 points and added four assists Wednesday, playing 32 minutes in the 23-point victory.”It was a dream come true, to be honest,” Harper said. “Getting a chance to play in front of this crowd, in front of the Riot Squad, it’s just crazy. Honestly, a blessing.”Freshman Lathan Sommerville had 11 points and eight rebounds in his first collegiate game. PJ Hayes IV scored 12 points and Jeremiah Williams added 10.Despite the lopsided win, Pikiell is looking for improvement in his team in Game 2.”We gotta rebound better, we gotta do a lot of things, but we’ve got a lot more players to decide from,” he said.Wagner outrebounded Rutgers 42-39, but the Scarlet Knights’ defense helped them overcome the deficiency on the boards and come away with the victory.Rutgers held Wagner to 34.9 percent shooting from the field and forced 11 turnovers, scoring 16 points off those mistakes.