NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Jared Rhoden had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Kadary Richmond added 10 points, leading No. 25 Seton Hall to an 85-63 victory over Wagner on Wednesday night.
“This is our second game in a row that we played pretty poorly in the first half. So we had a good conversation in the locker room about how important it is to perform two halves,” Rhodes said. “So I think everyone came out with a little chip on their shoulder, a little bit more edgy, and I think we picked up the intensity.
“These types of games, if they slip out your hands, your seasons are not over, but it’s detrimental to it.”
Richmond also added nine assists, six rebounds, four steals, and a blocked shot as Seton Hall (6-1) won its third straight game.
“This is the game I’ve been waiting for Kadary to have because he’s probably the best passer I’ve ever seen,” Rhoden said. “His potential is amazing.”
Alexis Yetna added 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocked shots for the Pirates. Tyrese Samuel chipped in 15 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Wagner tied the score at 35-all on a basket by Raekwon Rogers before Richmond dropped in a layup on the ensuing possession that put the Pirates ahead for good.
“The biggest thing, I shortened the rotation,” coach Kevin Willard said. “I know we’re going to struggle in the first half playing nine guys as many minutes as I’m playing. I know we’re going to struggle, it’s just hard to play as many guys that many minutes and expect them to play and be in rhythm and kind of flow with it, so I’m still trying to figure this out.”
Rodgers led Wagner (2-1) with 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Jahbril Price-Noel added 11 points and Elijah Ford had 10.
Wagner took its first loss of the season after postponing three games since Nov. 17 due to a COVID-19 pause.
“Give credit to Wagner because they had a rough past two week being out with COVID, missing probably their best two players,” Rhoden said. “I give those credit to those dudes because they played hard and they came out and they punched us. ”
BIG PICTURE
Wagner: After a 2-0 start, the Seahawks are coming off a COVID-19 pause due to an outbreak in the program that postponed three games. They were without their top two scorers, Will Martinez and Alex Morales, as well as DeLonnie Hunt. Bobby Jordan filled in as interim head coach for Bashir Mason.
Seton Hall: The Pirates are in the midst of the five-game homestand after spending their first two weeks on the road. It concludes with a visit from No. 8 Texas and a rivalry game against Rutgers. The Pirates will cap non-conference play when they face Iona in the Gotham Classic at Madison Square Garden.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
In the midst of the easiest part of their schedule, the Pirates should stay right where they are in the top 25, as long as they take care of business when they host D-II Nyack at their on-campus arena, Walsh Gymnasium, on Saturday.
UP NEXT
Wagner: At Stony Brook on Saturday.
Seton Hall: Hosts Nyack on Saturday.
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