Seton Hall University
Maine
Cosby, Edwin Lead Rout of Maine
11/22/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEWARK, N.J. - Sophomore Aaron Cosby (Louisville, Ky.) matched his career-high with 19 points as the Seton Hall men's basketball team defeated Maine, 76-49, on Thanksgiving Eve, at the Prudential Center.
The Pirates (4-1) powered their way to victory by shooting 19-for-33 (57.6 percent) in a 45-point effort in the final period. For the Black Bears (0-4), the result simultaneously reflects their lowest scoring output and most points surrendered to this point in the season.
Cosby was 7-of-14 from the floor, including a game-high four made three-pointers. Fuquan Edwin (Paterson, N.J.) continued to serve as a jack-of-all-trades for The Hall, finishing the night with 15 points and six rebounds, while matching his season-best with six steals.
Edwin started the night with a jumper that found the mark just over 10 seconds into the action, giving the Pirates an early edge they would never relinquish. With The Hall up 8-6, the Paterson native buried the first trifecta of the game for The Hall, pushing the lead to five at the 16:59 mark. Three-point shooting proved to be a major factor in the first half as SHU connected four more times from behind the arc in the opening period, while completing shutting down the Black Bears' long range attack despite 11 attempts.
Cosby and Kyle Smyth (River Edge, N.J.) came off the bench to provide an offensive spark from the backcourt, combining for 13 points and three made shots from distance in the half. Smyth delivered from deep in a pivotal moment as he answered a Justin Edwards layup that pulled Maine within four. After being fouled on the play, he converted on the free-throw to complete the four-point trip and put Seton Hall ahead 22-14 with 7:35 remaining. Edwin and Cosby added three-pointers in the closing minutes to help SHU to a 31-20 halftime advantage.
SHU's up-tempo defensive pressure proved too much for Maine to handle as the Pirates forced the visitors into 16 second half turnovers that resulted in 23 points. After assisting on a Cosby three, Brian Oliver (Glassboro, N.J.) followed a Maine turnover by converting on a layup to stretch the score to 53-34 in favor of the hosts with 11:04 to play. The bucket started a run of 10 consecutive points from Oliver that spanned almost six minutes, ending with a made jumper that helped quell the Black Bears' final push.
The Pirates held Maine without a field goal over the final seven-plus minutes, closing the action with their largest lead of the night.
For the night, Seton Hall forced 27 turnovers, converting them into 33 points on the offensive end. It is the most turnovers Seton Hall has forced since causing 33 against James Madison on December 22, 2007.
Gene Teague (Vineland, N.J.) chipped in eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Maine finished 1-for-17 from three-point range. Edwards led the team with 18 points.
The Pirates will return to action on Sunday, November 25 when they take on Saint Peter's at the Prudential Center. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 973-275-HALL.
