Rutgers Secures Victory over New Jersey Rival Seton Hall

In the electrifying atmosphere of the Garden State Hardwood Classic, Rutgers and Seton Hall engaged in a gripping battle. The game started off slowly as both teams looked to get the offense flowing, but once points were on the board, Rutgers swiftly took control. Gavin kicked things in to high gear knocking down back to back three pointers. Defensive efforts from Jamichael Davis and Cliff Omoruyi also shined, keeping Seton Hall's offense in check. Despite efforts from the Pirates to close the gap, Rutgers maintained their lead, ending the first half with a solid advantage.

The second half saw a more determined Seton Hall trying to mount a comeback. Kadary Richmond, in particular, stepped up his game, scoring crucial points. However, Rutgers responded with a balanced offense, including significant contributions from Cliff and Noah Fernandes. Mawot Mag also made his first appearance this season and was an instant impact on both ends of the floor. As the 4:00 minute mark approached, Seton Hall closed in on the score after trailing by 17. Richmond picked up the and-1 to close the gap to 10. Despite a late surge from Seton Hall, Rutgers' defense held strong, leading to their 70-63 victory.

Rutgers' victory was not just a result of skillful play, but also a team effort from each and every player. The standout performance by Omoruyi, set the tone for the entire game. He finished the night with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks. This match serves as a critical indicator of both teams' potential as they progress through the season, reflecting their strengths, areas for improvement, and setting the stage for future encounters of this 100+ year rivalry.
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