Rutgers, Tariq Francis aim to keep improving vs. Delaware State

Based on how Tariq Francis performed in his team's last game, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell may want to have him come off the bench again when the Scarlet Knights meet Delaware State on Monday night in Piscataway, N.J.

Francis was held to six points and turned the ball over four times -- including three times in a span of 31 seconds -- in an 81-59 loss to Seton Hall on Dec. 13. One week later, Pikiell removed Francis from the starting lineup and he responded by scoring a career-high 34 points and hitting the game-winning shot in a 70-69 victory over Penn.

Francis, who is averaging 13.2 points per game this season, made a 3-pointer with one second on the clock to give Rutgers (6-6) the win. The Scarlet Knights entered the Penn game on a three-game losing streak.

"I wanted to win the game," Francis said. "... It's just making sure that when I do get my chance to go in, I do what I need to do and help the team win."

Pikiell said he felt his team took a big step forward with the victory over Penn.

"That's my No. 1 thing right now, just get better," he said. "Continue to improve. Hopefully we can keep evolving into a good team."

Offense hasn't come easy for either program. Delaware State (5-9) ranks last in the MEAC in both scoring (61.9 ppg) and rebounding (32.1 per game). Rutgers is last among Big Ten teams in offense (69.0) and field goal percentage (41.2%).

Rutgers will be the third power-conference team Delaware State has played this season. The Hornets lost to Syracuse, 83-43, and to Miami, 97-41.

Sophomore guard Ponce James is averaging a team-high 13.7 points per game for Delaware State, which is 1-7 away from home. Dylan Grant leads Rutgers in scoring (14.1).

"Bit of a rough start," Delaware State coach Stan Waterman said. "We have to find a way to get on a win streak."

--Field Level Media