PISCATAWAY, NJ. – Rutgers begins a demanding stretch of Big Ten play this week, hosting Ohio State on Friday before welcoming Oregon to Jersey Mike’s Arena on Monday.
The Scarlet Knights (7-6) enter conference action following the completion of their nonconference schedule, with the road ahead shaping up as one of the most challenging in the league. Rutgers currently sits 196th in the NET rankings, lowest among Big Ten teams, in a conference that features six teams ranked in the top 13 nationally.
Despite the uphill climb, Rutgers will open league play with two home games against opponents considered among the more manageable matchups on the schedule.
Ohio State (9-3, 1-1 Big Ten) visits Piscataway on Friday night for an 8 p.m. tip, airing on Peacock. The Buckeyes have been idle since Dec. 23 after splitting their first two league games, defeating Northwestern on the road and falling at home to Illinois.
Rutgers is coming off a 15-point win over Delaware State, powered by Dylan Grant and Tariq Francis. Grant recorded his third double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Francis added 19 points. Rutgers dominated the glass with a season-high 52 rebounds and 21 offensive boards, offsetting a season-low 29.8 percent shooting performance.
Francis, the reigning Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after a 34-point outing against Penn, has been effective at the free throw line, converting 22 of his last 26 attempts. Grant has scored in double figures in 11 of 13 games this season.
Ohio State is led by Bruce Thornton, who averages 21.0 points per game, third in the Big Ten and 17th nationally. Thornton, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, is joined by John Mobley Jr. (14.3 ppg), Devin Royal (14.0) and Christoph Tilly (13.3). The Buckeyes rank seventh nationally in free throw percentage at 78.8 percent and average 86.3 points per game.
Rutgers and Ohio State meet for the 20th time, with the Buckeyes holding a 14-5 edge in the series. Ohio State has won three straight, though Rutgers has claimed three home wins in the matchup since joining the Big Ten.
Following Friday’s game, Rutgers remains home to face Oregon on Monday. The Ducks enter with an identical 7-6 record but have taken a step back from last season’s form. Oregon is currently ranked 97th in the NET, making the matchup one of Rutgers’ most winnable opportunities in conference play.
Head coach Steve Pikiell continues to search for lineup stability. Rutgers has rotated multiple starting combinations, with production at guard remaining inconsistent. Freshman Kaden Powers showed signs of progress with nine points off the bench against Delaware State, while international freshman Harun Zrno has flashed scoring ability but tailed off in recent outings.
Transfer Tariq Francis has emerged as Rutgers’ most reliable offensive option, averaging 13.6 points per game overall, though his production has dipped against high-major opponents. His ability to carry that scoring into Big Ten play will be critical as Rutgers navigates a conference schedule featuring few reprieves.
“We’ve been working extremely hard the last few weeks and we’re better,” Pikiell said. “I like what I’m seeing.”
Whether that progress translates against a deep and unforgiving Big Ten begins Friday night.
PHOTO CREDITS: Rutgers Athletic Department
