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Game Recap: Seton Hall 71, NJIT 55

Move it along, folks, nothing to see here. Seton Hall smacked around NJIT on Tuesday, notching their seventh win of the year.

By Thomas Duffy
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, yes -- that was intended to rhyme. Okay, now back to basketball.

After heading into halftime with a three-point lead against NJIT, Seton Hall (7-3) outscored the Highlanders (6-5) 40-27 in the second half en route to a 16-point victory. The final score, 71-55, narrowly missed my pregame projection Tuesday night. It was a good night for the Pirates thanks to the 71-55 victory, but an emotional one, as well.

Freshmen guard Jaren Sina had his best game as a Pirate, hitting five of his six shots from the field for 17 points and four assists. Fuquan Edwin’s ankle injury has opened up more playing time for the former Gill St. Bernard standout, and Tuesday’s performance exemplified what he’s truly capable of.

Sina was one of four Seton Hall players to score in double digits. Brandon Mobley torched the Highlanders for a game-high 18 points (7-of-12 FG), and also added three boards and three assists in 35 minutes. Sterling Gibbs was good for 16 points on a night where he struggled from the three-point arc (0-for-4), but as usual, thrived from the free throw line (8-of-9).

Gene Teague continued to dominate inside for the third consecutive game. Tuesday’s win marked the senior’s third double-double effort in as many games, going for 11 points and 14 boards against NJIT’s outmanned front line.

Sophomore guard Tom Maayan has played his last game at Seton Hall. The 6’2" ball-handler has to report back to his native Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces, and will leave after finishing up his final exams. The Star Ledger’s Brendan Prunty outlined Maayan’s three-month stint in Israel over the summer, but SHU’s backup guard must return again to complete the mandatory three-year service requirement for all male citizens.

Maayan didn’t speak with the media after Tuesday’s win, but sent a tweet thanking his teammates and coaches for their support. Coach Kevin Willard said that the reaction in the locker room was "emotional." (via NJ.com)

"It sucks," Willard said. "The locker room was upset when I told them."

On behalf of SB Nation and the Seton Hall community: All the best, Tom.

Grading the Pirates

Sterling Gibbs B Gibbs wasn't his dominant self, but still handled the ball well the entire game and had 16 points. If that's an "off night," Gibbs is doing something right.
Gene Teague A+ For the third straight game, Teague was unstoppable. Teague has been an absolute monster lately, with three consecutive double-doubles, and Tuesday night was no different.
Jaren Sina A+ Sina is shooting the ball more, and it's great for Seton Hall. The freshmen is efficient beyond his years, and missed just one shot on Tuesday en route to a strong 17-point effort.
Brandon Mobley A Mobley led the Pirates in the scoring column with 18 points. It was definitely his best night of the season.
Brian Oliver C If there was a good night for Oliver to struggle, it was Tuesday. The four other guys on this list had solid games to make up for Oliver's (3 points, 1-7 FG) dud.

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