Tariq Francis’ game-high 21 points enough for Rutgers to beat Maryland

Tariq Francis had a game-high 21 points, Harun Zrno scored 11 of his 13 in the second half and Rutgers broke a seven-game slide with a 68-57 win over Maryland on Sunday in Piscataway, N.J.

The Scarlet Knights shot 41.5% overall, but they maintained a 50% clip with just two turnovers in the second half to win a matchup deprived of much offense.

Zrno knocked down three 3-pointers early in the second to help Rutgers pull away. Dylan Grant posted nine points and six rebounds, and Emmanuel Ogbole had a team-high nine rebounds for Rutgers (10-15, 3-11 Big Ten).

Darius Adams dropped 13 points, David Coit scored 12 and Solomon Washington racked up 11 points and 14 boards for Maryland (10-15, 3-11).

The Scarlet Knights broke away from a halftime tie by making 7 of their first 11 shots of the second half for a double-digit lead.

Zrno's first 3-pointer of the day anchored an opening 7-0 run, which prompted a Maryland timeout. Later, he hit two consecutive open treys, and Francis' jumper made it 44-34 Rutgers with 12:55 left. Kaden Powers added a steal and a score for a 12-point margin.

The lead ballooned to 52-39 at the 8:39 mark before Maryland clawed within five over the next four minutes.

Out of the under-4:00 TV timeout, Adams drove to the basket and was whistled for elbowing Zrno. Francis hit his only 3-pointer of the day on the ensuing possession to put Rutgers up 60-51.

Maryland drew no closer than six from there, as Jamichael Davis and Francis went 8-for-8 from the line to finish the game.

Rutgers shot 34.5% and Maryland made 34.3% in a rocky first half.

The Scarlet Knights led 18-13 with seven minutes left, but Maryland nosed ahead with an 8-2 run capped by Washington's dunk. Rutgers answered with consecutive jumpers by Davis and Francis, but the Terrapins drew even at 27 by halftime, with Washington making 1 of 2 free throws in the final second.