(Box Score - html)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.- Despite shooting 3-for-15 from the field, junior Jamar Nutter (Bloomfield, N.J) knocked down a jumper and four clutch free-throws down the stretch to preserve a 77-72 victory over Rutgers in the BIG EAST opener. Junior Brian Laing (Bronx, N.Y.) and freshman Eugene Harvey (Brooklyn, N.Y.) finished the game with 21 points a piece.
The Pirates (9-4; 1-0 BE) led by as many as 18 points, but the Scarlet Knights went on a 17-0 run to make it 36-33 at the break. Laing scored 11 points in a six minute span to help Seton Hall jump out to a 21-9 lead with 10:10 left in the first half. The Pirates extended the lead to 34-16 when the Scarlet Knights scored the next 17 points to close the half.
Rutgers stayed close in the second half, and J.R. Inman gave the Scarlet Knights (7-7; 1-0 BE) their first lead of the game at 54-53, and the teams swapped the lead five times over the next four minutes.
Seton Hall went on a quick 7-0 run to give the Pirates a 68-61 lead, starting with Nutter’s shot from the corner. Harvey converted on an acrobatic three-point play, and then sealed the run on a layup after a Paul Gause (Pittsgrove, N.J.) steal. Seton Hall converted on 8-of-9 foul shots in the final seconds to hold on for the win.
Rutgers had four players in double-figures, led by Inman, who had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Farmer scored 17, and Jaron Griffin chipped in 15 points.
The Pirates return to action at Providence on Saturday, Jan. 6, in BIG EAST action. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
