Rutgers Beats Delaware State 65-50 in Nonconference Finale

PISCATAWAY, N.J. Rutgers secured a 65-50 victory over Delaware State on Monday night at Jersey Mike's Arena, wrapping up its nonconference schedule with a win that highlighted rebounding dominance but exposed shooting struggles.

The Scarlet Knights, now 7-6 overall, relied on strong play from Dylan Grant and Tariq Francis to pull away from the Hornets. Grant recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, adding three steals while shooting 5 of 12 from the field and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Francis contributed 19 points, going 7 of 7 at the foul line and notching three steals of his own. He entered the game off a career-high 34-point performance in Rutgers' 70-69 win over Pennsylvania on December 20. Emmanuel Ogbole bolstered the frontcourt with 12 rebounds.

For Delaware State, which fell to 5-9, Miles Webb paced the offense with 16 points on 7-of-15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Ponce James added 11 points as the Hornets struggled to find rhythm against Rutgers' defense.

Rutgers controlled the glass, outrebounding Delaware State 52-28 and generating a 27-7 edge in second-chance points. The Scarlet Knights also capitalized at the line, making 24 of 29 free...