PISCATAWAY – In the duel of college basketball’s great scorers, the last word came on a blocked shot.
Rutgers wing Darren Buchanan crushed Northwestern’s Jake West at the rim in the final second of overtime as the Scarlet Knights won 77-75 Sunday in another game at Jersey Mike’s Arena. West appeared to have a path to the bucket before Buchanan, who had just missed a free throw, got close to the decisive throw.
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This after Tariq Francis put the Scarlet Knights in position to win with 30 points, going shot for shot with North West superstar Nick Martinelli (34 points) and scoring seven in the extra session.
Rutgers is now 9-8 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten, showing the kind of fight that can rally a fan base behind a team even in a tough season.
Northwestern (8-8, 0-5) holds a 12-10 advantage in the series, although Rutgers has won nine of the last 11 meetings.
January 11, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, United States; Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Bryce Dortch (4) hangs at the rim after a dunk in front of Northwestern Wildcats forward Tre Singleton (8) and forward Nick Martinelli (2) during the first half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
FIVE TO REMEMBER
January 11, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, United States; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) shoots the ball as Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Christopher Nwuli (11) defends during the first half at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
1. Hard times for Buchanan
A lot was asked of Rutgers wing Darren Buchanan, who had to go one-on-one with Martinelli defensively. He experienced the whole dramatic scene in the last minute of regulation. With Northwestern trailing by one, Martinelli hit a 12-foot jumper over the top. Then Buchanan rebounded a Francis miss at the rim, was fouled with 2 seconds left, missed the first free throw and made the second to force overtime.
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Then, late in overtime, Buchanan grabbed a key defensive rebound, was fouled and made one of two free throws before recovering for the epic block that sealed the result.
It’s been a roller coaster ride for junior transfer George Washington, who has improved significantly over the last few weeks. That’s why Steve Pikiell recruited him here.
2. Dylan Grant limited by illness
For the second straight game, Rutgers’ leading forward (13.1 ppg, 5.3 apg) took his chances despite the bad weather, but once again, he clearly wasn’t himself. The sophomore came off the bench 11 minutes into the first half and finished with XXXXX.
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Grant’s ineffectiveness places an additional burden on Rutgers’ only other proven scorer, junior guard Tariq Francis.
3. Good minutes from Chris Nwuli
The 6-foot-8 freshman forward is a bundle of energy and athleticism, albeit an unrefined one. He came off the bench in the first half and played well; his five points, four rebounds and defense helped Rutgers recover from a 12-point deficit to head into halftime up 35-33. Keep an eye on his progress in the future. On a team that could use a little toughness, he has some upside.
4. A large crowd
Around 6,500 fans were in attendance, the student section was almost full despite winter break and once again did its part. Gov. Phil Murphy, who has been a regular on the baseline this season and whose term is nearly over, was given a memorial ball by Rutgers President William Tate to a mix of cheers and boos.
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There was a moment of silence before the match for former Governor Richard Codey, who died this weekend at the age of 79. A former basketball manager under Bill Raftery at FDU-Madison, Codey was an avid college basketball fan and season ticket holder who attended countless games at the RAC from his seat in the second row across from the Rutgers bench, often wearing a scarlet sweater.
5. A difficult road to travel
Now comes the toughest part of Rutgers’ schedule, a seven-game walk on fire: at Wisconsin (coming off undefeated Michigan) on Saturday, at No. 19 Iowa on Jan. 20, at Indiana at home on Jan. 23, at No. 12 Michigan State at home on Jan. 27, then a West Coast swing at USC and UCLA, capped by a home date with No. 10 Nebraska on February 7.
Winning one of these games would be a surprise (even if the Scarlet Knights had Indiana’s number), hence the urgency of getting a win against Northwestern.
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Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and college basketball since 2003. Contact him at [email protected].
This article was originally published on the Asbury Park Press: Rutgers basketball: Darren Buchanan blocks victory against Northwestern
