Rutgers Basketball Freshmen Shine in Road Win at Penn State

Scarlet Knights earn first Big Ten road victory of the season behind strong performances from young players.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:55am

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Rutgers basketball's freshmen class, including Lino Mark, Harun Zrno, Kaden Powers and Chris Nwuli, all made key contributions as the Scarlet Knights earned an 85-72 road victory over Penn State. The win marked Rutgers' first Big Ten road triumph and second consecutive conference win of the season.

Why it matters

The strong showing from Rutgers' young players provides hope for the future, as the Scarlet Knights look to build momentum heading into next season despite an underwhelming 11-15 record this year. The freshmen's ability to step up and make an impact could help lay the foundation for the program's turnaround.

The details

Lino Mark led the way with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and three steals, while Harun Zrno added 13 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kaden Powers and Chris Nwuli combined for 10 points as well. Rutgers opened up a big first-half lead by forcing 10 Penn State turnovers and scoring 19 points off them.

  • Rutgers earned the 85-72 victory over Penn State on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The Scarlet Knights will next travel to face Minnesota on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Lino Mark

A freshman guard for Rutgers who had a strong game, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting with three steals.

Harun Zrno

A freshman forward for Rutgers who contributed 13 points, three rebounds and two steals in the victory.

Kaden Powers

A freshman forward for Rutgers who combined with Chris Nwuli to score 10 points.

Chris Nwuli

A freshman forward for Rutgers who combined with Kaden Powers to score 10 points.

Tariq Francis

A junior guard for Rutgers who led the team with 22 points, seven assists and two steals.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a season of fits and starts for Rutgers basketball's freshmen class, but the youngest Scarlet Knights are hitting stride in the homestretch.”

— Jerry Carino, Author

“After a superb defensive game in Sunday's win over Maryland, the Scarlet Knights' ball pressure fried Penn State over the first 20 minutes, and they scored 19 points off 10 turnovers to take a 39-20 lead into the break.”

— Jerry Carino, Author

“It's been a rough stretch for the sophomore forward, but after showing some pop against Maryland (9 points, 6 boards), he asserted himself in State College to the tune of 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and five rebounds.”

— Jerry Carino, Author

What’s next

The road swing continues at Minnesota (12-14, 5-10) Saturday (noon tip, Big Ten Network). The Gophers are 10-4 at home this season but did lose at Penn State Feb. 1 and to Maryland at home Feb. 8.

The takeaway

Rutgers' freshmen class stepped up in a big way to lead the Scarlet Knights to their first Big Ten road victory of the season, providing a glimpse of the potential for the program's future despite its struggles this year. The young players' ability to make an impact could help lay the foundation for Rutgers to turn things around next season.