February 24, 2026; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights coach Steve Pikiell reacts during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Rutgers is one win away from the Big Ten Tournament and can enter Chicago on a positive note if it beats last-place Penn State in Piscataway, N.J., on Sunday afternoon.
In fact, the seeding may be determined before the Scarlet Knights (12-18, 5-14 Big Ten) take the court. If Northwest loses to Minnesota on Saturday night, Rutgers will receive a No. 14 seed, the last seed to avoid playing in the Big Ten’s new Tuesday opening round.
That’s because Rutgers goes head-to-head not only against Northwestern, but also against Oregon, Maryland and everyone below them. The Scarlet Knights fell to a No. 15 seed with the loss and the Northwestern win.
Rutgers is 3-3 after a seven-game losing streak from Jan. 17-February. 7, and played Michigan State for the second time this season before falling 91-87 on the road Thursday.
“We didn’t give up. We kept fighting and hopefully we’ll take it by Sunday,” coach Steve Pikiell said in a post-game radio interview.
Pikiell’s hot seat cooled recently when first-year Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn told multiple media outlets that he will be in his 11th season in charge in 2026-27.
Pikiell hopes to get two important guards back. Tariq Francis leads Rutgers with 16.9 points per game and had 25 points and five assists for Michigan State. Freshman Lino Mark scored 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting and had four assists in his second career start.
“Lino gives us a different gear. He’s playing at a really high level and Tariq’s floor game has improved,” Pikiell said.
The situation is even more bleak in Happy Valley, where Mike Rhoades is facing questions about his future as Penn State (12-18, 3-16) has posted a worse conference record each year of his first three seasons.
Ohio State made 16 of 23 3-point attempts against the Nittany Lions, dominating Penn State 94-62 this week. Rhoades told reporters he did not believe this was his final home game.
“No. There are four years left on the contract.” Rhoades said. “I’m going to coach. I’m going to coach my ass off. Give it your best shot. Get up tomorrow and work hard. Work harder than you’ve ever done before and keep coaching.”
Ivan Juric and Freddie Dilione V each had 15 points. Dilione (team-leading 14.0 ppg) and Kayden Mingo (13.7 ppg, team-high 4.3 assists per game) power Penn State’s offense.
–Field level media
