Buzzer-Beater Gives Rutgers Win Over Pirates

Published: Saturday, December 14, 2024

by Spencer Gonzales

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Arena was the site of another thrilling installment of the Garden State Hardwood Classic, where the Seton Hall Pirates (5-6) lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-4), 66-63. 

In a game where the Pirates had a halftime lead and a 10-point lead early in the second half, it looked like The Hall was primed for the win. That was before Rutgers stormed ahead late in regulation before they broke the tie with a buzzer-beater three from Dylan Harper.

Seton Hall started hot, as their defense created many early steals to create some offense on the other end. The first half was one of the Pirates' best offensive halves of the season, as they put up 33 points on 50% shooting from the field after 20 minutes. 

The second half was when Rutgers finally found its footing, as ball security improved and the team drew more fouls. The Scarlet Knights took 28 total free throws, including 19 in the second half, 15 more than The Hall’s 13 attempts.

As the free throws added up, Rutgers regained the lead midway through the second half. The Pirates' offense began to falter around the same time, but they stayed within striking distance until the final minutes.

Down by four with under a minute to play, Isaiah Coleman carried Seton Hall, sinking a layup and two clutch free throws to tie the game with six seconds remaining.

Then Harper took the inbound, went coast-to-coast, and drained a 3-pointer over Garwey Dual to win the game.

Rutgers couldn’t have won without clutch performances from freshmen phenoms Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, who finished with 21 and 24 points, respectively.

On the losing side, Coleman led the team with 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Emmanuel Okorafor also had a strong performance, narrowly missing a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds.

The Pirates did many things right Saturday, recording 11 steals and winning the rebounding battle 31-30. The bench contributed more than usual, highlighted by a 10-point performance from Yacine Toumi and eight first-half points from Chaunce Jenkins.

Unfortunately for them, familiar issues kept them from securing the win. The team shot 6-for-13 from the free-throw line and committed 22 fouls, giving Rutgers plenty of opportunities for free points.

The Pirates wrap up non-conference play with a losing record of 5-6 and set their sights on another rival in the Villanova Wildcats (7-4) to open the BIG EAST season. 

As always, WSOU will have coverage from pregame to Hall Line, with tipoff set for 7:30 PM on Dec. 17. Miguel Freire and Lauren Reese will have the call.

Spencer Gonzales is the Station Manager at WSOU 89.5 FM and can be reached at spencer.gonzales@student.shu.edu. 

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