Rutgers defeats Penn 70-69
Rutgers Edges Penn in Thrilling Comeback Victory
In a dramatic turn of events, Rutgers University edged out visiting Penn 70-69 at Jersey Mike's Arena on Monday night, capping off an electrifying non-conference matchup that will be remembered for its back-and-forth action and heart-stopping finish.
Trailing by four points at halftime, the Scarlet Knights staged a stunning comeback to reclaim the lead. Rutgers' Tariq Francis led the charge with 34 points, including five three-pointers, while Bryce Dortch contributed nine rebounds and Darren Buchanan Jr. added six assists. The team's balanced attack proved too much for Penn to handle as they erased the deficit and took control of the contest.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Rutgers' bench scored 10 unanswered points, fueled by Francis' hot shooting and Dortch's rebounding prowess. This surge propelled the Scarlet Knights ahead by seven points, setting the stage for a tense fourth-quarter showdown.
In contrast, Penn's TJ Power struggled to find his range from beyond the arc, converting just two of seven attempts. The Quakers' offense was hindered by 14 turnovers and a 20.6 turnover ratio, which proved costly in the end.
Despite being outrebounded 42-29, Rutgers' defensive effort held up admirably, with Darren Buchanan Jr.'s six rebounds helping to limit Penn's second-chance opportunities. The Scarlet Knights also made the most of their fast-break chances, scoring 21 points off turnovers and limiting Penn's own fast-break production to just six.
The largest lead for either team was an eight-point swing in Rutgers' favor after a series of three-pointers from Francis and Dortch. This pivotal moment set the stage for a nail-biting finish that saw both teams trade baskets down the stretch.
In the end, it was Rutgers' depth and resilience that proved decisive, as they edged out Penn by just one point to secure an impressive victory on the road. The win marks a significant milestone in the Scarlet Knights' non-conference schedule and sets them up for another challenging test against their next opponent.