Delaware State vs Rutgers Results, Match Player Stats & Records

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