Seton Hall Stifles Rutgers in Garden State Hardwood Classic Blowout
The annual Garden State Hardwood Classic didn’t go Rutgers’ way on Saturday night, as Seton Hall flexed its muscle in an 81-59 win at the Prudential Center. The Pirates were in control from the opening tip, improving to 10-1 on the season and handing the Scarlet Knights their most lopsided loss of the year. With the defeat, Rutgers drops to 5-6 and falls below .500 for the first time this season.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded - and what it might mean going forward for Steve Pikiell’s squad.
Lineup Shuffle Continues
Steve Pikiell rolled out his fourth different starting five of the season, continuing to search for the right mix. Denis Badalau and Tariq Francis were reinserted into the starting lineup, joining Harun Zrno, who earned his second straight start. Dylan Grant and Emmanuel Ogbole, the only two players to start every game this season, rounded out the group.
But the shakeup didn’t yield the spark Rutgers needed. Badalau, despite starting, played just three minutes - a sign that his role may be shrinking as the season progresses.
Zrno Shines Bright in Tough Loss
If there was a silver lining for Rutgers, it was the continued emergence of Harun Zrno. The sophomore guard led the team with 15 points on an efficient 4-of-8 shooting night and logged a season-high 35 minutes. He was aggressive, confident, and looked like a player taking real steps forward - something this team desperately needs right now.
Zrno wasn’t alone in trying to carry the offensive load. Lino Mark added 10 points off the bench, and the two combined for 22 of Rutgers’ points in the second half. At one point, they had outscored the rest of the team 22-7 - a telling stat that highlights both their promise and the struggles elsewhere on the roster.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at how the Scarlet Knights’ rotation fared:
- Harun Zrno: 15 pts, 2 stls
- Dylan Grant: 12 pts, 6 rebs
- Lino Mark: 10 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast
- Bryce Dortch: 6 pts, 2 rebs
- Darren Buchanan: 5 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts
- Tariq Francis: 4 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast
- Emmanuel Ogbole: 3 pts, 8 rebs, 1 ast, 2 blks
- Kaden Powers: 2 pts, 1 reb, 2 asts, 2 stls
- Denis Badalau: 2 pts, 1 reb
- Jamichael Davis: 2 asts, 1 stl
- Baye Fall & Gevonte Ware: No stats recorded
Turnovers Tell the Story
If you’re looking for the stat that defined the night, it’s this: Rutgers finished with just eight assists and 18 turnovers. That’s a ratio that simply won’t get it done, especially on the road against a team like Seton Hall.
Only two players - Kaden Powers and Jamichael Davis - finished with more than one assist. The ball movement wasn’t crisp, and the decision-making under pressure left plenty to be desired. Seton Hall’s defense deserves credit, but Rutgers made it easier than it needed to be with some unforced errors.
Youth Movement Gaining Momentum
There’s a clear trend forming in Piscataway - Pikiell is putting more trust in his young players. Zrno’s extended run, Mark’s scoring punch, and consistent minutes for Kaden Powers all point to a program that’s leaning into its underclassmen.
That’s not just about development - it may be a necessity. With veterans like Badalau seeing their minutes dwindle, the door is wide open for the next wave to step in and take hold of this team’s identity.
What’s Next: A Breather Before Penn
Rutgers will get a full week to regroup before returning home to face Penn next Saturday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Quakers come in at 6-4 after edging Lafayette 74-72 and currently sit at No. 240 in the NET rankings.
It’s a chance for Rutgers to reset, refocus, and hopefully find some rhythm before Big Ten play ramps up. A win won’t erase what happened in Newark, but it could be the first step toward turning the tide.
Bottom Line:
Saturday night was a tough one for Rutgers - no way around it.
Seton Hall looked sharper, stronger, and more connected. But in a game full of frustrations, the continued growth of players like Zrno and Mark offers a glimpse of a brighter future.
The challenge now? Turning those flashes into consistency.