Rutgers Tops Penn 70-69 on Francis' Late 3-Pointer

In a thrilling finish at Jersey Mike's Arena, Rutgers sophomore guard Tariq Francis scored a career-high 34 points and drained a 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds left to lift the Scarlet Knights to a 70-69 victory over Pennsylvania on Saturday night.

The win improved Rutgers to 8-4 overall and snapped a three-game losing streak, providing a much-needed boost after a 78-68 defeat to Seton Hall earlier in the week. Penn, now 6-5, led for most of the contest but faltered in the closing seconds, missing crucial free throws that allowed the Scarlet Knights to rally.

The Quakers jumped out early, using 3-pointers from TJ Power and Michael Zanoni to build a 10-2 lead. Rutgers struggled from beyond the arc, missing its first nine attempts, but Francis kept the Scarlet Knights close with 14 first-half points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting inside. Penn maintained control, outrebounding Rutgers 7-3 on the offensive glass and taking a 33-29 halftime advantage despite both teams combining for just 41 percent shooting from the field.

The second half remained tight, with Rutgers tying the score at 39 on free throws and a basket by forward Dylan Grant. The teams traded leads five times in the middle...