Earl Duncan, who added 20 points for Rutgers, capped the decisive run with a driving left-handed layup.
Earl Duncan, a reserve gaurd, added 14 points and Matt Roe had 12.
Sherman Douglas had 17 points, and Earl Duncan had 12, all in the second half.
Earl Duncan and Matt Roe each had 8 points in the run, including two 3-point shots by Roe.
The Rams got the ball with 25 seconds left after Earl Duncan's jumper made the score 60-57.
The Scarlet Knights (19-10) were still in a position to win with 21 seconds remaining when free throws from Earl Duncan pulled Rutgers to 77-76.
Earl Duncan had 5 points and Tom Savage had a 3-point field goal as Rutgers surged to an 8-4 lead in the first two minutes.
Rutgers lost Earl Duncan on Sunday to a sprained right ankle.
Keith Hughes and Earl Duncan transferred to Rutgers from Syracuse two seasons ago.
Keith Hughes scored 27 points and Earl Duncan 17 for the Scarlet Knights (6-9).