Seton Hall Basketball: 3 keys to beat Rutgers in Garden State Hardwood Classic

Seton Hall and Rutgers reignite their in-state rivalry over the weekend, with the Pirates traveling to Jersey Mike's Arena to square off in the Garden State Hardwood Classic. The Pirates are looking to avenge their defeat to the Scarlet Knights in the rivalry series last year, but more importantly, secure an important non-conference victory in their final action before Big East play begins.

So far, it certainly has not been the season Shaheen Holloway and the Pirates had imagined when they tipped off in November. After winning the NIT last spring, Seton Hall hoped to be a contender in the Big East in 2024-25, but the 5-5 start to the year has been startling. It's not as though the Pirates have been losing to the sport's heavyweights, either. While you can somewhat excuse losses to Hofstra and Fordham as close, early-season defeats, the 12-point defeat to a previously winless Monmouth felt like a true low point for the program.

Rutgers (6-4) provides a challenge with two of the nation's top freshman on the roster in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, but they've had their share of struggles themselves. If the Pirates can find a way to overcome their early season woes and hit their keys of the game, it may be just what they need to beat their in-state rival - and turn their entire season around.

1. Look to push the pace early and often

Steve Pikiell-coached teams are always incredibly tough to score on in the half-court, and while this Rutgers team hasn't been as shutdown defensively as past teams, they still make things difficult. Seton Hall desperately needs to find a way to wake their own offense out of its slumber, as they're averaging just 60.1 points per game and have been held at or below that number in four of their five losses.

The Pirates should look to push the pace and attack after missed opportunities, something they simply have not done enough of over the first month-and-a-half of the season. Certainly, it won't be easy, as this team doesn't have the athletes of past Seton Hall rosters, but they must find a way to manufacture easy baskets and keep Rutgers on their toes. Considering they're likely to have slightly fresher legs, given their last game was on December 8 compared to the 10 for Rutgers, they may have an edge here.

2. Do whatever possible to contain Dylan Harper

Needless to say, this is easier said than done. Dylan Harper has been arguably the nation's top freshman through the non-conference portion of the season, and is currently leading the Scarlet Knights in scoring, assists, and field goal percentage. He's looked in complete command so far, and the Pirates simply cannot allow him to control this one the way he has over the first 10 games for Rutgers.

Seton Hall will need to figure out a way to keep Harper out of the paint, where's able to finish most effectively and open up the entire offense with his passing. Whether it's being more aggressive on the attack with their defense or mixing and matching with who defends him, the Pirates may have to be creative. They can live with forcing Harper to take the three ball, where he's shooting 33% on the season so far.

3. Have Chaunce Jenkins lead the way

Chaunce Jenkins has been Seton Hall's best player this season, not only leading the team in scoring but also playing his best in some of their most important games. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced him to play just ten minutes in Seton Hall's most recent game against Oklahoma State. The result was Jenkins scoring zero points on 0-2 for shooting, and yet another loss for the Pirates.

The status of Jenkins is not completely clear as we gear up for this one, but it's likely he'll be less than 100 percent for this contest. Even so, I think you have to get the ball in his hands as early as often. He's shown the most ability to score in bunches in this offense and simply having the ball in his hands will command the attention of the Scarlet Knights, potentially opening up scoring chances for other Pirates. Certainly Seton Hall doesn't want him to aggravate his knee with Big East play right around the corner, but a rivalry game like this feels like a game where you see what he's got.

As disappointing as the start of this season has been for Seton Hall, there's still plenty of time to turn things around and make a postseason run. A win here in a rivalry game would be the perfect way to gain momentum for the slog that is the Big East slate. if Jenkins is able to go and the Pirates do enough to limit what Harper can do, coming out with a hard-fought victory, even on the road, isn't completely out of the question.