Rutgers took the necessary first step of what could be a jaw-dropping journey to the NCAA Tournament on Wednesday. The Scarlet Knights (12-11, 5-7) earned their first ranked win of the season, knocking off No. 23 Illinois in an 82-73 victory in Piscataway that keeps alive their slim hopes of a miraculous run to March Madness.

With the win, Rutgers is now 12-11 overall on the season and 5-7 in Big Ten play. They will look to start a winning streak on Sunday as they hit the road to take on Maryland, who is playing well right now. That one won't be easy, and they will once again need big games from Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.

As the ball hit the bottom of the net for his first made basket in weeks, Dylan Harper turned to the Illinois corner of Jersey Mike’s Arena and gestured for them to simmer down. A few minutes later, when he hit his first three-pointer of the night,

Rutgers Scarlet Knights 82, No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini 73. The Scarlet Knights entered this one with little momentum.