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Rutgers Basketball dominates Penn State on Senior Day
Scarlet Knights cruise to victory in regular season finale
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Rutgers Basketball ended the regular season with a dominant 74-62 victory over Penn State on Senior Day. The Scarlet Knights pulled ahead early and never looked back, propelled by a big first-half run. Three Rutgers players scored in double figures, led by Tariq Francis's 18 points.
Why it matters
This win gives Rutgers momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament, where they will face Minnesota in the first round as the 14th seed. The Scarlet Knights were able to avenge an earlier loss to Penn State and finish the regular season on a high note.
The details
Rutgers jumped out to an early lead and extended it to as much as 23 points in the first half, taking a 43-21 advantage into halftime. The Scarlet Knights shot 44% from the field and 6-for-14 from three-point range, while holding Penn State to just 40% shooting and 3-for-22 from beyond the arc. Lino Mark continued his strong finish to the regular season with 16 points, while Darren Buchanan Jr. nearly recorded a double-double with 8 points and 12 rebounds.
- Rutgers opened the game with a 12-0 run over the first five minutes.
- The Scarlet Knights extended their lead to 23 points in the first half.
- Rutgers took a commanding 43-21 lead into halftime.
The players
Tariq Francis
Rutgers guard who led the team with 18 points.
Lino Mark
Rutgers forward who scored 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
Darren Buchanan Jr.
Rutgers forward who nearly recorded a double-double with 8 points and 12 rebounds.
What’s next
Rutgers will face 11th-seeded Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday, with tipoff set for around 9 pm EST.
The takeaway
This dominant win over Penn State gives Rutgers momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run as the 14th seed. The Scarlet Knights' balanced scoring attack and stifling defense were on full display in this regular season finale.
