NEWARK, N.J. – At halftime Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez gave his team an option, “Give a good second half effort and prepare normally for Hartford (the next opponent) or face two brutal days of practice.” The Pirates opted for the former en route to a 93-53 victory over NJIT at the Prudential Center on Monday.
The first half saw a 43-27 advantage for the Pirates. The game had been close for a good part of the half and a late run allowed the Hall to take the double-digit lead into the locker room. The second half saw the Hall take charge from the start. Their quickness, size (especially), depth and overall talent were too much for the Highlanders, who have two wins on the young season.
“I’ve been involved in 40-point losses where you just wanted to leave and go home,” NJIT mentor Jim Engles said. “Tonight I can say I was proud of our effort. We prepared well and played well for a while.”
NJIT did not have a defensive answer for the likes of forward Herb Pope (game-high 22 points and 11 boards) and Jeremy Hazell on the perimeter (21 points). To add to the Highlanders’ problems was Jamel Jackson, who came off the bench for the Hall to sink 5 treys (15 points). “(Jackson’s) shooting is a good sign for conference teams like Syracuse and Louisville who zone you,” Gonzalez said.
Eugene Harvey added 10 points but was benched for a stretch after three early turnovers. “He’s a senior and is the type that can get down on himself,” Gonzalez said of Harvey, who logged 18 minutes. “One of the challenges of coaching is working in talented young kids with talented seniors.”
The Hall, 5-0 with a nice win at Cornell included, has shown there is ample talent. With Keon Lawrence and Memphis transfer Jeff Robinson (soon to be eligible) still waiting in the wings.
Isaiah Wilkerson led NJIT with 14 points while Chris Flores added 10.
Notes
- NJIT plays a few home games at the Rock and is slated for a few this season. On this night the Highlanders wore the visiting red.
- Engles felt the experience taught the young players what is necessary to compete and get better. “We want to be at the point come (Great West) conference play where we learn our game plan, go out, execute and compete.” Engles also noted he was not really down about the loss. “Hey,” he said,” we are not a Big East club. If I was in the Big East then I would be really upset.”
- NJ Senator Richard Codey , an avid basketball fan and youth coach, was in attendance as he is at almost all Hall games. Codey added his insight, noting “free throw shooting (15 of 23) has to improve or we will pay in a close game.”
