Rutgers Pushes No. 7 Michigan State to the Brink, But Falls in Overtime
For nearly 40 minutes, Rutgers looked like it was on the verge of pulling off its biggest win of the season. The Scarlet Knights threw everything they had at No.
7 Michigan State, controlling the tempo, playing with urgency, and holding an eight-point lead with just over three minutes to play in regulation. But when it mattered most, the Spartans showed why they’re one of the top teams in the country - storming back to force overtime and then taking full control in the extra period for an 88-79 win at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
It was a gut-wrenching loss for Rutgers, which drops to 9-12 overall and 2-8 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, Michigan State continues its strong campaign, improving to 19-2.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded - and what Rutgers can take away from a game that was so close to being a signature win.
Rutgers’ Starting Five Stays Steady
Head coach Steve Pikiell stuck with the same starting lineup for the second straight game: Emmanuel Ogbole, Dylan Grant, Jamichael Davis, Kaden Powers, and Darren Buchanan. The group came out with energy and cohesion, helping Rutgers jump out to a 21-13 lead midway through the first half - a welcome change from recent slow starts.
That early burst set the tone. Rutgers played with purpose on both ends and didn’t look anything like the team that struggled against Indiana just days earlier. Pikiell had challenged his squad after that loss, and to their credit, the players responded.
Francis and Zrno Deliver in Big Moments
While the final result didn’t go Rutgers’ way, there were plenty of standout performances - none bigger than Tariq Francis and Harun Zrno.
Francis dropped 23 points and was the go-to guy all night. He also added three steals and a block, showing his two-way value.
He had the ball in his hands with the game on the line in regulation, but his buzzer-beater attempt missed the mark. Still, his impact was undeniable.
Zrno, meanwhile, played one of his most clutch games of the season. He’s had some strong scoring nights before, but this time it was the when that mattered.
Zrno came up with timely buckets that helped Rutgers stay in control for most of regulation. He finished with 16 points and four rebounds, and his presence was felt throughout.
Stat Sheet Standouts
Here’s a look at the key contributors for Rutgers:
- Tariq Francis: 23 pts, 2 rebs, 1 asst, 1 blk, 3 stls
- Harun Zrno: 16 pts, 4 rebs, 1 asst
- Jamichael Davis: 15 pts, 2 rebs, 5 assts, 1 stl
- Darren Buchanan: 14 pts, 1 reb, 1 asst, 2 stls
- Dylan Grant: 11 pts, 3 rebs, 1 blk, 2 stls
- Kaden Powers: 1 reb, 3 assts
- Emmanuel Ogbole, Bryce Dortch, Chris Nwuli, Lino Mark: Limited statistical impact
The backcourt trio of Francis, Davis, and Zrno carried the offensive load, combining for 54 points. Buchanan and Grant chipped in with double-digit scoring as well, giving Rutgers a balanced attack - something they’ve been searching for all season.
Frontcourt Struggles Continue
One area that hurt Rutgers was the production - or lack thereof - from the five-spot. Ogbole and Dortch combined for 26 minutes, but managed just one rebound and no points between them. Both picked up three fouls, and their limited impact on the glass and interior defense became more noticeable as the game wore on, especially in overtime when Michigan State took over.
Game-Changing Moments
There were a few key sequences that swung the game:
- Early Run: Rutgers’ 21-13 lead midway through the first half gave them confidence and forced Michigan State to play from behind most of the night.
- Late Rally by MSU: Down eight with just over three minutes left, the Spartans dug in and chipped away. The game-tying three-pointer with 11 seconds left was the dagger that forced overtime.
- Overtime Domination: Once the game hit OT, Michigan State’s depth and experience took over. Rutgers simply ran out of gas, and the Spartans closed it out with authority.
What’s Next for Rutgers?
The Scarlet Knights now head west for a two-game road trip, starting Saturday night at USC. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
EST. After that, they’ll stay on the coast for a matchup with UCLA next Tuesday.
It’s a tough stretch, but if Rutgers can bring the same energy and execution they showed against Michigan State, they’ll give themselves a chance to compete. The record might not reflect it, but this team showed real fight - and that’s something to build on.