Men's Basketball Drops, 79-73, Decision to NC State

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NEWARK, N.J. - The Seton Hall men's basketball team dropped its first game at Prudential Center, 79-73, against North Carolina State. The Pirates (8-3) had four players score in double-figures, but shot just 42 percent from the floor, while allowing the Wolfpack (8-3) to shoot 55.6 percent.

Sophomore Eugene Harvey (Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 20 points and handed out six assists. Senior Brian Laing (Bronx, N.Y.) added 17 points and eight rebounds, and sophomore John Garcia (Brentwood, N.Y.) played another strong game off the bench with 16 points and seven boards.

The lead changed hands 10 times in the first half, and NC State's Courtney Fells scored 17 points, on 7-of-8 shooting, to help the Wolfpack go into the break with a 35-32 advantage.

Seton Hall surged ahead on a Laing three-pointer from the wing, and took a, 52-46, lead after outscoring the Wolfpack, 14-7, over an eight-minute span. NC State tried to make a run, but Harvey went to the basket and hit three straight layups to keep the Pirates in front, 58-55, with 6:57 to go.

The Wolfpack was able to take the lead, and extended it to 66-60 after a put-back by Brandon Costner. Another Laing three pulled the Pirates within one, but NC State answered with a quick 7-0 run to make it 72-65 with 59 seconds left.

Seton Hall had one last chance for a comeback after Harvey was fouled while shooting a three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining. Harvey connected on all three attempts, but Costner hit Gavin Grant on a long inbound pass, who finished the play with a dunk to put the Pirates away.

Fells did not score in the second half, but Grant took over, scoring 17 of his game-high 23 points after the break. J.J. Hickson scored 13 points, connecting on all five of his field goal attempts.

Junior Paul Gause (Pittsgrove, N.J.) had 11 points and five steals, to help the Pirates force 18 turnovers. Seton Hall’s bench outscored the Wolfpack, 34-15, but were out-rebounded, 41-31.

The Pirates will host Delaware State on Monday, December 31, at Prudential Center. Game-time is set for 1:00 p.m.