Rutgers Scarlet Knights Paints New Jersey Red!

Saturday evening, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-4) protected their home court by defeating long-time in-state rival the Seton Hall Pirates (5-6) in exciting fashion, 66-63. Over the last 30 meetings, 23 have been decided by six points or fewer, and five contests have gone to overtime. Rutgers earned its 33rd win all-time against Seton Hall, is 4-3 in the last seven meetings, and earned their first win over the Pirates at Jersey Mike’s Arena since 2019 and consecutive victories in the series.

‍"I thought we played hard for about 33 minutes, and then Seven minutes after we lost our mind,” Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway stated. “I thought it was a good game but there's a lot I want to talk about but can't. I have never been a part of a game where one team shoots 13 free throws and another one shoots 28."

The Pirates appeared to be the underwhelming underdogs heading into this matchup, however the majority of the game seemed to maintain the momentum. Despite the fan's electric energy and suffocating roaring, the Scarlet Knights struggled to not turn the ball over in the first half (11 turnovers). That said, the theme of this game for Rutgers was perseverance and resiliency.

“Our crowd was awesome, the whole time they’ve been great,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell emphasized after the Seton Hall game. “ Even though we didn’t play our best game, we missed 15 free throws combined with 15 turnovers, yet we still figured out a way to win, so I’m proud of our guys.”

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Despite the records between both teams, this game often holds a little more weight. Due to the fact, that this game ultimately determines who leaves with the bragging rights for the state of New Jersey and gets to hoist the Garden State Hardwood Classic. The New Jersey native and star point guard Dylan Harper is living up to the hype many praised him for prior to joining the Scarlet Knights. This last shot essentially solidified his name in Rutgers history similar to his brother, Ron Harper Jr.

"I think my brother's shot was one of the best in college basketball,” Rutgers star guard Dylan Harper explained. “He beat the Number One team in the country. 30 points, 10 rebounds, half-court shot, so all credit to him. I think his shot was better, but mine was more meaningful in regards to the game and the type of environment we were in."

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Harper’s Clutch Gene

The Harper’s both share a meaningful game-winner and will go down as pivotal moments in Scarlet Knights history. While averaging 24 points for the season, Harper recorded 24 points and two assists against the Pirates after having a very pedestrian first half, only recording six points. Harper’s efforts combined with other star forward Ace Bailey recorded 21 points and seven rebounds to elevate them over the Pirates. Not to mention, late in the game, the Scarlet Knights defense played a pivotal role. They held Seton Hall to just one field goal in the final 3:31 and to four three field goals in the final 7:30 of the contest. 

“It means a lot, just the years watching my brother [Ron] play those tough rivalry games,” Harper explained. “... We’re playing their hearts out, I just wanted to come out here because Coach Pike told the group that this is a real rivalry and we’re going to go out here and play Rutgers basketball.”

“We definitely could’ve played better, but the important thing is that we won,” he continued.

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That said, the importance of this win meant a lot to Harper and signified his legacy as a Scarlet Knight. These two have been an exciting tandem to watch and have helped bring relevance and excitement back to Jersey Mike’s Arena.

What’s Next?

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Rutgers has just two games in the final 17 days of the calendar year. RU has a week off before facing Princeton in a neutral site meeting at the Prudential Center on December 21, then another nine-day break before hosting Columbia on December 30.