Rutgers Sweeps Maryland in Big Ten Matchup: Francis Leads Scarlet Knights to 69-65 Victory

March 2, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Rutgers overcame a furious second-half rally by Maryland to secure a 69-65 victory Sunday, completing a season sweep of the Terrapins. The Scarlet Knights, who led by as many as 20 points in the first half, saw their advantage dwindle before holding on for the win.

Tariq Francis led Rutgers with 19 points, proving crucial as Maryland mounted a significant comeback. The Scarlet Knights built their initial lead through a dominant first half, capitalizing on 14 Maryland turnovers and converting those into 14 points. Rutgers’s offense was efficient, taking a 39-20 lead into halftime.

Maryland emerged from the break with renewed intensity, embarking on a 13-0 run sparked by three-pointers from Elijah Saunders and Andre Mills, coupled with five free throws. This surge cut Rutgers’s lead to 45-41 within six minutes of the second half. The Terrapins briefly seized the lead at 48-47 and the game remained tied at 54 with under five minutes to play.

Rutgers responded decisively, regaining a 60-54 lead and maintaining control for the remainder of the contest. Despite Maryland closing within two points on multiple occasions in the final minute, the Scarlet Knights secured the win with clutch free-throw shooting.

Darren Buchanan Jr. Contributed 14 points for Rutgers, while Jamichael Davis added 12. For Maryland, Andre Mills recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Elijah Saunders finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Solomon Washington added 15 points and four blocks for the Terrapins.

Despite Maryland’s significant 50-26 rebounding advantage, Rutgers’s ability to force 19 turnovers proved decisive. Maryland struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 1 of 14 three-point attempts. Rutgers finished the game with a record of 12-17 overall and 5-13 in Big Ten play, while Maryland fell to 11-18 and 4-14 in conference action.

Maryland will next travel to Wisconsin on Wednesday. Rutgers is scheduled to face No. 13 Michigan State on Thursday.