Dylan Harper dropped a career-high 36 points and Rutgers fended off Matt Allocco and Notre Dame 85-84 in overtime to conclude a wild first day of the Players Era Festival on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

When Rutgers and Notre Dame get together, 40 minutes in regulation is just not enough. It’s been two years since the Irish outlasted Rutgers in a high-scoring, overtime battle in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.

The best-case scenario was that Rutgers basketball's stunning loss at Kennesaw State would serve as a wake-up call for a talented, youth-driven squad. Dylan Harper answered the alarm in resounding fashion Tuesday night.

Dylan Harper scored a career-high 36 points and Rutgers held off Notre Dame for an 85-84 overtime victory in the Players Era Festival.

Dylan Harper delivered a career-best performance, scoring 36 points to lead Rutgers to a thrilling 85-84 overtime victory against Notre Dame on Tuesday night at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

Notre Dame headed into the half shooting a mere 39% from the floor, but shot 41% from behind the arc which helped them head into half time with a one point lead 35-34. They also out rebounded Rutgers in the first half 24-13 resulting in 11 second chance points. However, the Irish only scored 8 points in the paint compared to Rutgers' 14.

The team fought valiantly without their best player for most of the game, but ultimately didn’t have enough firepower to hang with Dylan Harper and the Scarlet Knights