Tariq Francis and Lino Mark led the way in Rutgers men’s basketball’s final regular season game of the year in a dominating effort, beating Penn State 74-62.
It was a joyous 65 degree afternoon in Piscataway as not only was it the final game of the year at the Jersey Mikes Arena, but it was also Senior Day. Usually, multiple seniors would be honored in front of the loud and passionate Scarlet Knight faithful. However, this year one man and one man only was honored: Emmanuel Ogbole. After three seasons and 63 games playing for Rutgers University, the Nigeria native was definitely emotional playing his final home game.
“It felt good, I’ve put in a lot of work, I’ve been through a lot,” Ogbole said after the win. “I’m just appreciative that I can call Rutgers home.”
The Scarlet Knights’ start to the game was as sloppy as the average New Jersey road with melting snow. Within the first seven and a half minutes, they committed four turnovers, giving Penn State easy points. Thankfully it wouldn’t be the narrative for Rutgers as they quickly cleaned up their act and went on a dominating 16-0 run that took up a majority of the rest of the first half.
The Nittany Lions looked like they’d be pressing the panic button early. They scored a putrid 33.3% field goal percentage, shot even worse from beyond the arc, going 1-12 from three, and nearly doubled Rutgers’ number of turnovers, having seven of their own. They’d have a lot of catching up to do as the Scarlet Knights were up 43-21 going into the locker rooms.
Rutgers’ objective for the rest of the way was obviously to win, but to stay in control and contain the lengthy lead they had. It wasn’t a cake walk like the first 20 minutes as Penn State had done a full 180 and was playing much better basketball. Slowly but surely, they were cutting the lead in half.
However, the pace the Nittany Lions were on wasn’t fast enough and the Scarlet Knights held on en route to a 74-62 win. Francis and Mark kept things in control, scoring a combined 15 points in the second half.
“It’s coming out and doing what we’re supposed to do to win, that was the most important thing getting a win,” Mark said. The freshman guard’s 16 total points were crucial in the Scarlet Knight’s victory. “Especially for Big E [Emmanuel Ogbole], his last home game so that meant something to us. We came out strong and did what we were supposed to do.” While Mark had 16, Francis was the highest scorer with 18.
As for the man of the hour, Ogbole finished his final game at the Jersey Mikes Arena with five points, three rebounds, and two blocks. There is a potential that he could be granted another year of eligibility if he goes for it, but at the moment it is uncertain that he would pursue it.
Despite the final regular season game being this afternoon, the Big Ten tournament is set to kick off this week. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell seemed to have the mindset that meaningful basketball still needs to be played. “Very thankful a new season starts after this,” Pikiell said. “And head to Chicago and everyone has a chance.”
Rutgers finished the regular season 13-18 (6-14 in Big Ten) and Penn State finished 12-19 (3-17 Big Ten). The Big Ten tournament will take place at the United Center in Chicago from March 11-15.
