Seton Hall Battles Rutgers in the Garden State Classic

How to Watch and Stream:

Time: 2:00pm EST

TV: Fox Sports 1

Stream: FoxSportsGo

Gamblin’ Odds:

Seton Hall is a 6 point favorite going into the game.

Seton Hall is riding a ridiculous wave of momentum. Toppling Kentucky this past weekend was no easy feat. The No.9 Ranked Wildcats were the toughest opponents Seton Hall will have in this part of their schedule. With the second half surge from Myles Powell, and the game winner by Myles Cale, Seton Hall puled off the unthinkable in the Garden. Now, the Pirates turn their attention to Rutgers.

Last year, Rutgers won the game at home thanks to Corey Sanders. Seton Hall leads the series all time, and is up 3-1 since Rutgers left the Big East. There is a crazy passion for this game that seems to tear apart New Jersey, and considering Rutgers has yet to advance to the tournament since leaving the Big East, it is their biggest game of the year.

Myles Powell just needs to continue his amazing start to the season. Yes, Powell struggled in the first half against Ashton Hagans last weekend versus Kentucky, but he exploded going 6-11 from behind the arc for 28 points by the end of the game. If Rutgers wants any shot at winning, they must contain Powell as best they can. Powell has averaged 23.0 ppg on 48.7% shooting, and he’s been able to do that all season.

Seton Hall needs to protect the glass as best as possible. Rutgers, according to KenPom is a better team at rebounding across the board. Limiting Eugene Omoruyi’s ability to snag rebounds is going to be massive. Consider also that Rutgers struggles shooting from behind the arc, as they shoot 35% as a team. Not good. Anticipate Seton Hall to defend the paint well with the ability to rotate in their bigs. Finally, Seton Hall needs to contain Ron Harper Jr. He is an extremely skilled scorer and will cause fits for Myles Cale.

The Pirates on offense have to challenge Rutgers in the paint. Rutgers has given up one of the higher 2-point percentages, and they allow a slightly higher than average 3-point percentage. Rutgers also plays mostly Man-to-Man, meaning guards like Quincy McKnight and Myles Powell have the ability to create in isolation, and they should use the pick-and-roll with Taurean Thompson as much as possible.

Seton Hall could come into this game cokcy, just like the senior did last year. If that happens, Rutgers could easily surprise them and knock them off at the Rock. Expect Myles Powell to put on a show as well in what should be a Pirate Victory.