Coaches Bobby Gonzalez and Fred Hill battled to an even 1-1 record against each
other last season and Wednesday’s tie breaker could be a barn burner. Seton Hall (16-4, 4-3) will bring their talented team, which is currently sporting a
four game winning streak, to lay it on the line against Rutgers (10-11, 2-6) who
has just finished off convincing back to back victories against nationally ranked
Big East opponents.
Seton Hall has an exciting team which has been built around and features senior
swing man Brian Laing, senior guard Jamar Nutter, sophomore guard Eugene Harvey,
and junior guard Paul Gause. Gause has missed seven games with a broken knuckle
on his non shooting hand, but expects to make his return against the Scarlet
Knights. Freshman guard Jeremy Hazell has filled in admirably during his absence
and remains an integral part of the rotation. Center John Garcia is a dominant
force in the middle, but has been hobbled lately with a sore left knee, which
severely limits his mobility and playing time on the court. He has been relieved
by big freshman Mike Davis who has done a fine job while adjusting to the rigors
of Big East basketball. Guard Larry Davis and forward Augustine Okuson have
made big contributions to the surprisingly fast start of the season. The Pirates
who had a goal of reaching the Big East playoff has rightfully set their sights
on a much higher goal of the NCAA tournament. They have a tendency to start
games very slowly, but have had the ability to work their way back into the
contests and lock up the all important victories. While Paul Gause sat and watched,
The Hall had pretty much scrapped their man on defense to run a predominantly
zone defense from which they’ve done quite well. With his return, they
will employ the man defense more often, especially going to a full court press,
as they believe Rutgers will struggle against the pressure, thus providing them
with an edge.
Rutgers has been on fire during their last three outings. They are playing
as a team as never before, and appear to all be on the same page. During this
stretch the Knights have shot 55% on field goals, 53% from beyond the arc, but
continue to struggle from the free throw line with a paltry 62.6%. Have they
simply found their shots? Actually they have been moving the ball well, but
most importantly are making quick decisions followed by sharp passes, which
has led to higher percentage shots. They’ve made an incredible 42 of 67
three point attempts which have been conceded to them as a result of great inside
scoring. Defense has been the key. Guards Anthony Farmer, Mike Coburn and Corey Chandler have played with a pride and passion which has been a disrupting force
which takes the opposition out of their game plan. Hamady N’daiye has been
outstanding in the paint, as has team captain Byron Joynes, with displays of
great positioning, rebounding and shot blocking. JR Inman has been doing a great
job with his long arms and effortless quickness to the ball by continually shutting
down passing and dribbling lanes. Jaron Griffin has been flat out tough. He
has been crashing the boards with authority and scoring well inside.
PIRATE STARTERS:
SW - #14 – Brian Laing (6’5” 215 sr) – 18.9ppg, 7.4 rbpg,
82.8% ft shooter, 32 steals – the main scoring threat
G - #15 – Eugene Harvey (6’0” 165 so) – 16 ppg, 72.7% ft
shooter, 31 steals – another big scorer
G - #21 – Jeremy Hazell (6’5” 185 fr) – 12.1ppg, 37% 3pt,
73% ft – solid 3 pt threat – tried 135 attempts
G - #1 – Jamar Nutter (6’2” 205 sr) – 10.2ppg, 38.8% 3pt,
82.9% ft – consistent scorer, 3pt threat, team leader with Laing
C - #31 – John Garcia (6’9” 265 so) – 7.6ppg, 17 steals,
30 blocks – great position player, good playmaker, a bit gimpy
THE BENCH:
G - #22 – Paul Gause (5’11” 188 jr) – 8.6ppg, 71% ft shooter,
41 steals – cat quick, great defender, returns vs RU
G - #35 – Larry Davis (6’4” 185 so) – 7.1ppg, 76.9% ft
shooter, has received extra minutes during Gause injury
C - #13 – Mike Davis (6’11” 255 fr) – 3.1ppg, 75% ft shooter,
26 blocks (that’s 56 total w/ Garcia), young and learning
F - #25 – Augustine Okosun (6’11” 240 jr) – 1.7ppg, more
of a relief player for the bigs in the paint
Defense wins games. Rutgers holding Villanova scoreless over a 10 minute stretch
coupled with a 20-2 run against Pittsburgh were the direct result of tremendous
defense. The Knights will need to come up with something comparable against
the Blue Scurvy. Rutgers must keep their fouls to a minimum as the entire Seton
Hall team is incredibly good when given free shots. Great defensive play by
the guards, and in the paint is of paramount importance if the Knights are to
continue with their torrid run. I’m certain it will be a packed house like
the days of old. Watch out for the dust coming from the top of the rafters,
because it is going to be a great game and a great experience.
MEDIA:
Television: FSNY
Radio: WOR 710 AM, WCTC 1450 AM, WRSU 88.7 FM