MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum for the final stretch of the regular season will meet Saturday when the Minnesota Golden Gophers host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten Conference men’s basketball matchup. The game is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026, at Williams Arena. Both teams enter with nearly identical records and recent signs of life. Minnesota (12-14 overall) snapped a three-game skid with a decisive 61-44 road win at Oregon on Tuesday. Rutgers (11-15) arrives riding its first winning streak in over a month, having beaten Maryland and Penn State in its last two outings. The Scarlet Knights’ surge has been fueled by guard Tariq Francis, who is averaging 21.4 points over his last seven games. He is coming off a 22-point, 7-assist performance in an 85-72 victory at Penn State. His backcourt play will be central to Rutgers’ chances on the road. For the Golden Gophers, forward Grayson Grove will be a key figure. His production has fluctuated, but he logged a season-high 37 minutes and contributed 13 points and 4 assists in the win at Oregon. Consistency from Grove would provide a significant boost for a Minnesota team that has struggled offensively at times. The series has been closely contested in recent years, and this edition presents a critical opportunity for both squads. A victory would move the winner closer to the .500 mark in league play and improve positioning ahead of the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Following this game, Rutgers will host Washington on Feb. 24, while Minnesota will travel to face Michigan on the same date.