Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Seton Hall Pirates Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Rutgers, Seton Hall Clash in Heated Rivalry with Much to Prove

New Jersey’s biggest college basketball rivalry takes center stage Saturday afternoon as Rutgers hosts Seton Hall in the Garden State Hardwood Classic in Piscataway. Both teams enter with plenty to prove after inconsistent starts to their seasons.

Rutgers: Searching for Momentum

The Scarlet Knights (6-4) are coming off a confidence-boosting 80-76 victory over Penn State on Tuesday, their first Big Ten win of the season. Led by their highly touted freshmen, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Rutgers showcased its potential in front of a raucous home crowd.

Harper, a five-star recruit and the third-leading scorer in the nation (23.4 points per game), delivered a dominant performance with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Bailey added 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, highlighting the duo’s importance to the Scarlet Knights’ success.

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After enduring a three-game losing streak earlier this season, including a shocking defeat to Kennesaw State, Rutgers is eager to capitalize on its homecourt advantage, where it remains undefeated at 5-0. The student section is expected to bring energy to this heated rivalry.

“They’re like a sixth defender for us,” Harper said of the fans. “It’s special to play in front of them, especially for a game like this.”

Seton Hall: Stifling Defense, Struggling Offense

The Pirates (5-5) have endured a rocky season, with losses to mid-major programs such as Fordham, Hofstra, and Monmouth highlighting their offensive struggles. Seton Hall ranks among the worst teams in Division I in scoring, averaging just 60.1 points per game, but their defense has kept them competitive. Allowing only 59.4 points per game, the Pirates boast the 11th-best scoring defense in the nation.

Seton Hall has struggled from the free-throw line, shooting a dismal 60.3 percent, which ranks 350th nationally. However, the Pirates are no strangers to winning ugly games, as evidenced by their 45-43 road win in this rivalry in 2022.

Coach Shaheen Holloway is tasked with getting his mostly out-of-state roster to understand the significance of this matchup.

“I don’t have a Jersey player on my team,” Holloway said. “So I have to get those guys to understand rivalries.”

Chaunce Jenkins (11.8 ppg), who has been battling a knee issue, and Isaiah Coleman (11.7 ppg) will lead the Pirates’ attack. Jenkins has been cleared to play, which could provide a needed boost.

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Key Storylines

• Harper’s Moment: Growing up in New Jersey and watching his brother, Ron Harper Jr., excel in this rivalry, Dylan Harper understands the stakes. His scoring prowess, combined with his all-around game, could be the deciding factor.
• Defensive Battle: Seton Hall’s stingy defense will test Rutgers’ offense, especially Harper and Bailey. Conversely, Rutgers’ athleticism and physicality will look to stifle the Pirates’ already limited offensive production.
• Free-Throw Shooting: With Seton Hall’s woes from the line, foul shots could be a pivotal factor, especially in what is expected to be a closely contested game.

What’s at Stake

For Rutgers, a win would validate their bounce-back efforts and provide another signature victory in front of their home crowd. For Seton Hall, it’s a chance to turn their season around and reclaim dominance in the rivalry.

Prediction

While Seton Hall’s defense is formidable, Rutgers’ talent and homecourt advantage give them the edge. Harper and Bailey are playing at an elite level, and the Scarlet Knights’ ability to score in transition could exploit the Pirates’ weaknesses. Expect a hard-fought game, but Rutgers should come out on top in this year’s edition of the Garden State Hardwood Classic.