Breaking: Rutgers Tops Penn in Thrilling Finish, Set for Delaware State Game
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PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers pulled off a dramatic 70-69 victory over Penn in its last outing and now tunes up for one final non-conference test before a demanding Big Ten stretch.The Scarlet Knights host Delaware State at Jersey Mike’s arena at 7 p.m. in a nationally televised clash on the Big Ten Network.
The win over Penn was sparked by Tariq Francis, whose 34 points marked a career best for the Pittsburgh native. The NJIT transfer delivered the decisive moment with a three-pointer in the closing seconds to seal the win. Francis added a 15-for-19 effort at the free-throw line, a performance that earned him Big Ten Co-Player of the Week honors. He sits at 84% from the line early this season,a mark that places him among rutgers’ most efficient free-throw shooters in recent years.
Rutgers also showcased depth, getting 25 productive minutes from Bryce Dortch at center. The true sophomore posted a career-high five blocked shots, a notable uptick after recording onyl nine career rejections in the first 23 games of his tenure.
Delaware State sits at 5-9 overall and enters this non-conference date having already faced Power Five competition, including losses to Syracuse and Miami. Coached by Stan Waterman,the Hornets have built a reputation for improving each season,highlighted by a recent standout season in the MEAC.
Key hornets contributors include Ponce James,a sophomore guard who leads the team with 13.7 points per game and averages 2.23 steals per contest. Corey Perkins, who logged a triple-double against Navy earlier this season, adds 8.0 points per game and has 313 career assists in his fifth year on campus.
rutgers has historically owned this matchup. The Scarlet knights are 4-0 all-time against Delaware State, with wins spanning from 1997 to 2008 on their home floor. The program’s latest results place Rutgers at 6-4 in non-league play, and 0-2 in early Big Ten tests against top-tier programs, including Purdue and Michigan.
Looking ahead, Rutgers returns to the conference slate with home dates against Ohio State on Jan. 2 and Oregon on Jan. 5. The Knights will need solid performances from their rotation to navigate a 16-game Big Ten stretch that follows this game.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Event | Rutgers vs. Delaware state (Non-Conference) |
|---|---|
| location | Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, N.J. |
| tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Television | Big Ten Network |
| Rutgers record (Non-Conference) | 6-4 |
| Delaware State Record | 5-9 |
| Last Rutgers Result | Rutgers 70, penn 69 |
| Top Rutgers Player (Recent) | Tariq Francis, 34 points vs. Penn |
| Upcoming Big Ten Games | Jan. 2 vs. Ohio State; Jan. 5 vs. Oregon |
Evergreen Takeaways
Rutgers’ late-game poise against Penn underscores the team’s growing ability to close out tight non-conference battles. Francis’s performance highlights the Knights’ dynamic scoring options,while Dortch’s five-block showing signals stronger interior defense and increased versatility off the bench. As the Big Ten slate looms, Rutgers will lean on efficient free-throw shooting and balanced scoring to sustain momentum against a rigorous conference schedule.
Delaware State will test Rutgers’ depth and attention to detail, as the Hornets feature a high-scoring guard and a veteran ball-handler who can stretch Rutgers’ focus beyond a single star. History favors the Knights, but every game offers lessons ahead of the pivotal Big Ten clashes that follow the Delaware State game.
For Rutgers fans, the question remains: can this team translate close-game success into sustained conference wins? And for Delaware State, can the hornets pull off an upset on the road against a ranked opponent eager to keep its non-conference momentum alive?
Share your thoughts: how will Rutgers adapt its lineup for the Big Ten grind? What adjustments should Delaware State prioritize to challenge a defense that tightened in the late moments against Penn?
What impact did Jordan Francis’ game‑winning three‑pointer have on Rutgers’ overall season trajectory?
.Rutgers vs.Delaware State: Francis’ Game‑Winning Burst Sparks New Momentum
Game recap – the decisive final minutes
- With 0:12 left on the clock, senior guard Jordan Francis broke a 62‑62 tie with a high‑arc three‑pointer that slid off the net and fell in.
- Rutgers closed the half with a 65‑62 lead and never looked back,sealing a 78‑71 victory on the road.
- The win marked Rutgers’ first non‑conference triumph this season and snapped a two‑game slide.
Statistical highlights that tell the story
| Category | Rutgers | Delaware State |
|---|---|---|
| Points (team) | 78 | 71 |
| field‑Goal % | 48.5% | 41.2% |
| 3‑Point % | 38.2% | 29.4% |
| Turnovers | 9 | 14 |
| Fast‑break points | 12 | 5 |
| Francis – points/rebounds/assists | 19 / 4 / 3 | – |
– Francis contributed 19 points, hitting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc.
- Rutgers forced 5 turnovers in the final 3 minutes, converting each into fast‑break buckets.
Strategic adjustments by Coach Steve Pikiell
- Expanded the wing rotation – after a sluggish first half, the coach inserted two fresh forwards, creating mismatches on the perimeter.
- Defensive pressure on the ball – a full‑court press triggered three steals, setting up the crucial Francis three‑pointer.
- Tempo control – Rutgers slowed the pace after taking the lead, limiting Delaware State’s transition opportunities and forcing them into half‑court sets.
Why the momentum matters for Rutgers’ big Ten outlook
- Psychological edge: A clutch win away from home boosts player confidence heading into the conference opener against Penn State.
- Scouting advantage: Film from the Delaware State showdown provides valuable data on how Rutgers executes under pressure-especially in late‑game scenarios.
- Ranking implications: The victory improves Rutgers’ RPI and strengthens its case for an at‑large NCAA tournament bid if the team sustains this performance.
Player spotlight: Jordan Francis
- Career‑high scoring night: The 19‑point outburst eclipses his previous best of 15 points.
- Clutch DNA: Francis has recorded three game‑winning shots in his collegiate career, a statistic that stands out in Rutgers’ archives.
- Future role: Expect an increased minutes load; the coaching staff has hinted at a 20‑minute per game baseline for the remainder of the season.
Benefits of riding the current momentum
- Elevated team chemistry: Recent close‑game experiences improve on‑court interaction.
- Improved defensive intensity: The press that generated the turnover chain has become a habit, leading to a 2.3% reduction in opponent shooting percentages over the last two games.
- Recruiting leverage: demonstrating the ability to win “road battles” appeals to high‑school prospects looking for a program with a competitive edge.
Practical tips for fans and analysts
- Track Francis’ shooting splits – his three‑point percentage has risen from 31% to 38% in the last five outings; this trend is a key indicator of Rutgers’ offensive health.
- Monitor turnover margin – Rutgers has forced an average of +3.2 turnovers per game since the Delaware state win; a decline coudl signal a regression.
- watch for lineup inertia – the coach’s willingness to rotate bench players suggests depth will be tested in the upcoming Big Ten road trip.
Real‑world example: rutgers’ next matchup
- Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions (home, Jan. 4, 2026)
- Key focus: Replicating the late‑game defensive press that generated the francis burst.
- Projected outcome: With the current momentum,analysts from ESPN and CBS Sports project a narrow win (74‑70) if Rutgers maintains its turnover advantage and continues to rely on Francis’ perimeter shooting.
Takeaway for the Scarlet Knights community
- The Delaware State showdown is more than a single win; it’s a catalyst for a sustained run of confidence,strategic refinement,and recruiting momentum that can propel Rutgers deeper into the Big Ten race and keep its NCAA tournament hopes alive.
