Seton Hall ran away from NJIT to improve to 5-0, and Bobby Gonzalez challenged his team not to let up once they had a big lead because there was a larger mission at hand.

NJIT picked up its second win of the young season, and already it is evident that the Highlanders have upgraded the talent level.

Entering the Coaches vs. Cancer final respective coaches Roy Williams of North Carolina and Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim were in agreement it would a game of spurts. It turned out to be that way and Syracuse had a definitive run that allowed the Orange to post an 87-71 victory in the championship

Despite years of suggestions that he try a man-to-man defense more than just on occasion, Syracuse continues to live with a 2-3 zone defense under Jim Boeheim. It’s one of the constants that have been in place there.

An early start to Tuesday’s contest between Monmouth and St. Peter’s was the most noticeable aspect of the game, although the home team’s defense also stood out.

Some notes from two openers in New Jersey this weekend, where a matchup of local rivals came down to the buzzer and another was still a close call.