Pirates Look Good in Win Over Manhattan
by Ray Floriani
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – In baseball, the early part of the season sees pitchers often enjoying an edge on batters. In the early going of the college basketball season, they say defense is ahead of offense. In the opening round of the NIT Season Tip-Off, Seton Hall’s defense was decidedly ahead. The Pirates limited Manhattan to 26 percent shooting from the floor en route to a 66-52 decision.
The victory aside, a few encouraging things came out of this matchup for Seton Hall.
- Entering the season, senior point guard Donald Copeland and forward/center Kelly Whitney were the known entities; who else would step up was a question. Off Monday’s performance, it appears Jamar Nutter is set for a breakout season. The 6-2 junior scored 17 points, showing the ability to get to the rim as well as hit the jumper. Junior forward Stan Gaines, a transfer from Minnesota also chipped in with a strong 13-point, 5-rebound outing. Gaines especially impressed Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez. “I couldn’t believe how good he (Gaines) was,” Gonzalez said. “He was the X-factor. He’s chiseled (242 lbs.) like no one in our league and here he is bringing the ball up the floor (against the press).”
- As noted, Seton Hall played outstanding defense. Even in the disappointment of last season, one staple was good defense. It’s a trademark of Louis Orr-coached teams, but on Monday evening the Pirates took it to another level. “It (defense) was great beginning to end,” he said. “It was the most focused I’ve seen our guys defensively since I’ve been here.” Seton Hall played mostly man with an occasional 1-3-1 half court trap thrown in.
- Manhattan made a late 10-0 run to trim an 18-point deficit to eight with six minutes remaining. Seton Hall never folded, simply showing great poise, regrouping and closing out the win. “Our guys handled themselves well,” Orr said regarding that key part of the game. “They encourage each other they want to compete.”
- Copeland didn’t score a point until 44 seconds remained. Still, the senior lead guard did an outstanding job running the team and making his presence felt on the defensive end as the Manhattan guards struggled all night.
- Kelly Whitney dominated inside. The 6-8 senior scored a game-high 25 points while pulling down 5 boards. Whitney was especially lethal on the low blocks and virtually anywhere in the lane. “There’s no one like Kelly Whitney in our (MAAC) conference,’ Gonzalez praised. “We tried to go zone, man and mix up the defenses.” All to no avail.
Manhattan struggled to get easy baskets. Gonzalez would have liked to press a bit more and force the tempo, but the Jaspers struggled from the field and were an icy 11-21 from the foul line. Simply, opportunities to set up the press were not present.
Manhattan’s outstanding 6-7 sophomore C.J. Anderson led the Jaspers with 16 points, but rarely got a good look en route to a tough 5-20 night from the floor. The Jaspers found easy baskets rare, and basically struggled in their half court set all night.
“It’s a challenge to face a Big East team on the road,” Gonzalez said. “That’s not an excuse either, it’s a test.” Jasper guard Jason Wingate added, “They (Seton Hall) played tremendous defense, it was a learning experience.”
As usual Manhattan did play hard, a trait they have regularly shown in the past. The Jaspers grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and outrebounded the Hall 42-41. “We didn’t play well or that smart, but we played hard,” Gonzalez remarked.
A sparse crowd of 5,372 was on hand for the contest.
Seton Hall now travels to Duke on Wednesday to battle the top-ranked Blue Devils, who defeated Boston University. Orr relishes the challenge.
“We have to keep our poise,” he said. “We have to handle their pressure on the ball, on the wings and the crowd. It’s a great opportunity. I’m excited.”
Nothing is certain. The opening night saw a significant upset as Sam Houston knocked off Missouri on the road. Even in the first round, playing at home, teams cannot mail it in.
