Rutgers closed the regular season on a high note Sunday, defeating Penn State 74–62 at Jersey Mike's Arena to continue its late-season surge. The Scarlet Knights have now won four of their final seven games after beginning Big Ten play 2–11, taking those victories by an average margin of 9.5 points.

Tariq Francis once again led the way for Rutgers, scoring a game-high 18 points. The guard has been one of the conference's most consistent scorers, reaching double figures in 24 of the team's 31 regular-season games, including each of the last 15 contests. Francis also went 5-for-6 from the free throw line, bringing his season total to 135 made free throws — the 13th-most in a single season in program history. Since Jan. 27, he has been nearly automatic at the stripe, converting 60 of his last 64 attempts (93.75%).

Rutgers received strong contributions throughout the lineup. Lino Mark added 16 points on an efficient 7-of-14 shooting night, continuing a productive stretch in which he has scored in double figures in six of his last eight games and is averaging 13.5 points across the last six contests. Darren Buchanan Jr. controlled the glass, pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds, while Chris Nwuli chipped in seven points, setting a new career-high for the second consecutive game.

Before the game, Rutgers honored senior center Emmanuel Ogbole on Senior Day along with five senior managers. Ogbole finished with five points, three rebounds and two blocks in the win. The senior has posted career highs across the board this season, totaling 135 points, 189 rebounds, 36 blocks and eight steals for the Scarlet Knights.

With the regular season complete, Rutgers will carry momentum into postseason play after finishing the year with a strong push over the final weeks. RU heads to Chicago for the Big Ten Tournament to take on Minnesota on Wednesday night at the United Center.