Rutgers University
5-6,0-2Big Ten
Seton Hall
10-1,0-0Big East
Men's Basketball Downed at Seton Hall in 76th Garden State Hardwood Classic
Dec 13 | Men's Basketball
NEWARK, N.J. - Rutgers men's basketball took an 81–59 loss to Seton Hall on Saturday night at the Prudential Center in the 76th Garden State Hardwood Classic.
The Pirates seized control early, using defensive pressure and transition scoring to jump out to a 35–21 lead at halftime. Rutgers struggled to find rhythm offensively in the opening 20 minutes, shooting 27.3 percent from the field, while Seton Hall capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to build a double-digit cushion.
Rutgers showed improved efficiency after the break, shooting 41.9 percent in the second half and knocking down four three-pointers, but the deficit proved too much to overcome. Seton Hall extended its lead to as many as 24 points behind strong interior play and consistent scoring in the paint, finishing the night with a 52–24 advantage inside.
Freshman guard Harun Zrno led Rutgers with 15 points, connecting on four three-pointers, while junior forward Dylan Grant added 12 points and six rebounds. Freshman guard Lino Mark chipped in ten points a career-high, and junior center Emmanuel Ogbole contributed eight rebounds and three points off the bench as Rutgers battled on the glass, finishing with 29 total rebounds.
Rutgers forced 15 turnovers and scored 19 second-chance points, but was unable to slow Seton Hall's shooting efficiency, as the Pirates finished the game at 54.8 percent from the field.
Rutgers will look to bounce back as it continues non-conference play in the coming week on Dec. 20 against Penn at home next Saturday at 8 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
