Men's Basketball Edged by Fairleigh Dickinson, 76-71

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.- The Seton Hall men’s basketball team was surprised by Fairleigh Dickinson, 76-71, on Saturday.  The Pirates (1-1) led at the half 43-37, but the Knights (1-1) held Seton Hall to 28 points on 23 percent shooting in the second half for the come-back win.  Junior Brian Laing (Bronx, N.Y.) led the Pirates with a career-high 25 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort.

Junior Jamar Nutter (Bloomfield, N.J) had 15 second half points, and finished the game with 20.  Senior Stan Gaines (Chicago, Ill.) was the only other Pirate in double-figures with 10 points.

In the first half, Seton Hall and Fairleigh Dickinson exchanged the lead six times in the opening 11 minutes.  Laing scored 15 of his 17 first half points during an 11-minute stretch that helped the Pirates take their largest lead of the game at 41-32 with 1:50 remaining in the half.  The Knights went on a 7-2 run to close the half and get within six.

Fairleigh Dickinson came out strong after the break and cut the Pirate lead to 43-41, but jumpers from Laing and Nutter, along with a pair of free throws by freshman Larry Davis (Middle Village, N.Y.) gave Seton Hall an eight-point cushion with 17:10 to go.

The Knights regained composure, however, and managed to tie the game at 54 at the 12:38 mark.  Although the score remained close, the Pirates seemed to be in control until a three-pointer by FDU’s Eric Hazard gave the Knights their first lead of the second half.  With 2:26 on the clock, Nutter hit a three to put the Pirates back ahead at 68-67, but Fairleigh Dickinson regained the advantage on two free throws by Bernell Murray, and went on for the win.

For the Knights, Andre Harris led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Cameron Tyler had 19 points and eight boards, and Michael Peeples chipped in 16 points.

The Pirates return to action on Saturday, Nov. 25, when they travel to Baltimore, Md. to face Morgan State.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.