Newark, NJ—The Hall’s last victory by 40-plus points was an 89-49 win over Wagner on Nov. 6, 2018 inside historic Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange, NJ.
The Pirates started the game cold from the field and trailed 8-7 early in the half, SHU went on a 9-0 run, and a basket by forward Tyrese Samuel gave them 16-7 lead with 10:42 left before the break.
Five players scored in double-figures and Myles Cale recorded his 1,000th career point becoming the 46th player in program history to reach that plateau.
Samuel was the top scorer with 19 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, including a thunderous dunk in garbage time that got the crowd to their feet.
Bryce Aiken looked 100% healthy gliding down the court after battling knee injuries last season, scored 15 points in 18 minutes off the bench. Aiken was definitely a difference maker for the Pirates running the Hall’s offense flawlessly.
“I enjoyed being back out here with the guys, it was an electric atmosphere. Great student turnout,” Aiken said.
Seton Hall played without senior Jared Rhoden (ankle), who had sat on the bench in street clothes but didn’t have his boot on which is encouraging for Hall’s fans.
Pirates coach Williard shuffled the lineup and brought Aiken in early in the half, things started to flow and the Pirates offense was able to create space and score. Tray Jackson had a follow dunk and a nice reverse layup in the first half to extend SHU lead to 20-13. They led 40-20 at the break when Aiken had 10 points, Cale had nine, and Samuel seven.
Seton Hall tighten up their defense and held FDU to just 25.8% shooting from the floor and 1-for-9 shooting from three-point range in the first 20 minutes and went downhill for the Knights.
FDU missed their first 10 shots of the second half, which jump-started a 16-3 run for the Pirates to begin the second half. A deep three from the top of key by Aiken capped the run with 13:43 remaining on the clock and extended SHU lead to 56-23. The Knights couldn’t get closer than a 29-point deficit the rest of the contest.
Junior guard Brandon Rush led FDU with 19 points and two boards.
“The difference between last year and this year, we finally have players that can consistently hit shots behind three point line and can create their own shots. Having those components are huge for our team.” Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard said in the post conference.
Up Next:
Seton Hall will return to play on Sunday, November 14 when it begins play in the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-off.
