Rucker Explodes for 35, Leads Army Men’s Basketball

BALTIMORE, MD – Jalen Rucker exploded for a career high 35 points on 12-16 shooting, including hitting on 6-9 from three-point range to lead Army West Point (9-7. 3-0) to a third consecutive Patriot League victory over Loyola Maryland (5-11, 0-3).

Rucker, who was playing in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland did most of his damage in the second half where he scored 26 of his 35 to ignite Army to a dominating 23-point win, in a game that was close for all of the first half and a majority of the second half.

Army got started quick racing out to an early, 26-14 lead behind a quick seven points for Rucker and six for Charlie Peterson. Army took a 35-22 lead into halftime.

The Greyhounds responded by going on a 13-0 out of the gates in the second half to tie the game at 35 apiece at the 14:50 mark following a pair of Kenneth Jones free throw makes.

Army responded a few possessions later with a Rucker layup to give the Black Knights a seven-point lead, 42-35 at the 12:17 mark. From then on out it became the Jalen Rucker show. Rucker scored 26 of Army’s final 36 points, including five three-pointers to take over the game.

Rucker had two separate stretches where he scored eight straight points for Army as they pulled away.

Charlie Peterson was also in double figures with 14 points.

The Greyhounds finished 0-9 from long range. Kenneth Jones (16) and Chris Kuzemka were in double figures for Loyola.