The Seton Hall Pirates took on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Friday in the Garden State Hardwood Classic. The Pirates came in at 9-2 while Rutgers came in at 11-1. The Pirates were the reigning champions of NJ and would take home the trophy again with a 72-61 victory.

The Pirates did not have a good first half at all. Five minutes into the game and the two teams combined for just 6 points. Rutgers was the team in control in the first half. While the Pirates looked lethargic, the Scarlet Knights built a solid lead. Rutgers entered the locker room with a 32-23 lead.

The Scarlet Knights were led by Nigel Johnson who had 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in the first half. Corey Sanders chipped in 6 points and a block. Jonathan Laurent led the team on the glass with 6 rebounds. Rutgers shot 34.6% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc in the first half.

The Pirates were led by Angel Delgado who had 4 points and 8 rebounds in the first half. Khadeen Carrington and Desi Rodriguez each scored 6 points. Ismael Sanogo grabbed 6 boards in the first half. Seton Hall shot 24.2% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc in the first half.

The Pirates were a much different team in the second half. They cut into the lead for the first few minutes of the half. The major difference in this half was that the Pirates exploited the match up down low with Angel Delgado. The Pirates would take their first lead with 12:15 remaining after a Delgado bucket. From there the two teams would be in a dog fight. They exchanged the lead on multiple occasions. Seton Hall would take the lead for good with 6 minutes remaining and go on to open the game up. In the end the Pirates would come away with a 72-61 victory.

Rutgers was led overall by Corey Sanders who had 17 points and 2 assists. Nigel Johnson had a solid game with 16 points and 4 rebounds. Deshawn Freeman led the way on the boards with 11 for the Scarlet Knights. Mike Williams chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds. Rutgers shot 36% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc for the game.

The Pirates were led overall by Angel Delgado who had 19 points and 16 rebounds. He was named the Joe Calabrese MVP of the game. Khadeen Carrington added 20 points and 2 rebounds. Desi Rodriguez chipped in 13 points while dealing with foul trouble. Ismael Sanogo had a huge game with 16 rebounds and numerous hustle plays. Seton Hall shot 38.1% overall and 35.7% from beyond the arc.

With the loss the Scarlet Knights drop to 11-2 on the season. Rutgers will head to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers on December 27. The Pirates improve to 10-2 with the victory. They will now begin Big East play on Wednesday as they travel to take on Creighton.

Check out the PPI below to see how each player fared. We will have full coverage of the Creighton game. Until then, Hazard Zet Forward.