Francis, Zrno lead Rutgers in 68-57 victory over Maryland

February 16, 2026 - 01:34

A strong performance from Tariq Francis and key contributions from Harun Zrno propelled Rutgers to a 68-57 conference victory over Maryland on Sunday. The win provides a crucial boost for the Scarlet Knights' standing in the Big Ten.

Francis led all scorers with 21 points, demonstrating offensive efficiency throughout the contest. Zrno provided vital support, adding 13 points to help secure the home win. The Rutgers defense was equally instrumental, consistently disrupting Maryland's offensive rhythm and creating transition opportunities.

The victory moves Rutgers out of last place in the challenging Big Ten conference, marking a significant step forward as the team builds momentum for the final stretch of the season. The Scarlet Knights showcased improved cohesion and energy, particularly on the defensive end, where they forced Maryland into difficult shots and controlled the tempo.

For Maryland, the loss represents a missed opportunity to solidify its own conference positioning. The team struggled to find consistent scoring outside of its primary options and was ultimately outplayed in the second half. Rutgers maintained its composure down the stretch, converting free throws and getting critical stops to close out the game. The team will look to carry this winning formula into its upcoming matchups.