Rutgers Defeats Penn State in NCAAB Showdown
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 85, Penn State Nittany Lions 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Rutgers Scarlet Knights beat Penn State Nittany Lions 85-72 at Bryce Jordan Center on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Penn State Nittany Lions were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights triumphed over the Penn State Nittany Lions with a final score of 85-72 at the Bryce Jordan Center. This victory marked a significant moment for Rutgers, who improved their record to 12-15, while Penn State fell to 11-17 on the season.
Both teams entered the game struggling in their recent performances. Penn State had a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, with an average of 71.1 points scored and 84.8 points allowed per game. Their last outing resulted in a loss against the Oregon Ducks, where they were defeated 83-72. The Nittany Lions' home record was 11-16, and they had lost their last game, putting them on a one-game losing streak.
On the other hand, Rutgers also faced challenges, holding a record of 2-8 in their last ten games prior to this matchup. They averaged 69.6 points scored and 80.3 points allowed during this stretch. Their most recent game saw them secure a win against the Maryland Terrapins, where they emerged victorious with a score of 68-57. Despite their struggles, Rutgers entered this game with a one-game winning streak, which they hoped to build upon.
Historically, the two teams had met twice in the previous seasons, splitting their encounters with each team winning once. In their most recent meeting on January 20, 2025, Penn State had claimed victory at home, winning 80-72. However, in their earlier clash on December 11, 2024, Rutgers had defeated Penn State 80-76 on their home court.
In terms of player availability, no specific injuries were noted in the provided facts, suggesting both teams fielded their full rosters for this crucial game. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Penn State favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 148.5. The odds for the home moneyline were -218, while the away moneyline for Rutgers was set at 180.
The conditions at the Bryce Jordan Center were typical for a college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere as fans gathered to support their teams. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of scoring plays that highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams. Notable moments included Josh Reed's impressive 25-foot three-point jumper, which contributed to Rutgers' commanding lead in the second half.
As the game progressed, Rutgers maintained control, with key contributions from players like Tariq Francis, who made significant shots to extend their lead. The Scarlet Knights' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities ultimately led to their victory, demonstrating a strong performance on both ends of the court.
In summary, Rutgers' win over Penn State not only improved their record but also showcased their resilience in the face of adversity, while Penn State continued to search for answers as they navigate the remainder of their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PSU -4.5 | 148.5 o -112 / u -108 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +180 · Penn State Nittany Lions -218 |
Leaders
- PointsJosh Reed22Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsKayden Mingo6Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsJosh Reed6Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsTariq Francis22Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsTariq Francis7Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsEmmanuel Ogbole6Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 2-8Streak L171.1 scored · 84.8 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L72-83at Oregon DucksFeb 14
- W63-60at Washington HuskiesFeb 12
- L75-77vs USC TrojansFeb 8
- L69-110at Michigan WolverinesFeb 5
- W77-75vs Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 1
- L73-94at Northwestern WildcatsJan 30
- L78-84at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 27
- L71-98vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 23
- L73-96at Maryland TerrapinsJan 18
- L60-71vs UCLA BruinsJan 15
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 2-8Streak W169.6 scored · 80.3 allowed per game0-5 away
- W68-57vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 15
- L68-80vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 7
- L66-98at UCLA BruinsFeb 4
- L75-78at USC TrojansFeb 1
- L79-88vs Michigan State SpartansJan 27
- L59-82vs Indiana HoosiersJan 23
- L62-68at Iowa HawkeyesJan 21
- L87-96at Wisconsin BadgersJan 17
- W77-75vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 11
- L55-81at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 9
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-53 | 26-47 |
| Field goal % | 57 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 5-16 | 3-17 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 18 |
| Free throws | 20-23 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 18 |
| Assists | 16 | 12 |
| Steals | 10 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 40 |
| Fouls | 18 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half55-42Lino Mark makes layup
- 2nd Half56-42Chris Nwuli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-42Chris Nwuli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-45Freddie Dilione V makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-45Lino Mark makes layup (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half60-45Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-45Lino Mark makes layup
- 2nd Half63-45Chris Nwuli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-45Chris Nwuli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-47Josh Reed makes 3-foot jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half67-47Harun Zrno makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half67-48Kayden Mingo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-49Kayden Mingo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-50Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-51Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-53Kayden Mingo makes layup (Melih Tunca assists)
- 2nd Half67-55Kayden Mingo makes layup
- 2nd Half67-56Kayden Mingo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-56Darren Buchanan Jr. makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-57Kayden Mingo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-57Darren Buchanan Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-58Dominick Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Dominick Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-59Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-59Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-60Dominick Stewart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-61Dominick Stewart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-61Darren Buchanan Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half74-62Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-63Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-63Dylan Grant makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half76-65Josh Reed makes 17-foot jumper (Dominick Stewart assists)
- 2nd Half76-68Josh Reed makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half77-68Dylan Grant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-68Dylan Grant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-68Tariq Francis makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-70Melih Tunca makes layup
- 2nd Half83-70Tariq Francis makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half83-72Kayden Mingo makes layup
- 2nd Half85-72Jamichael Davis makes layup (Tariq Francis assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- Bryce Jordan CenterUniversity Park, PA
- Attendance6230
- OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Paul Szelc, Jeffrey Anderson
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond