(PHOTO COURTESY OF DALY DOSE OF HOOPS AND BOB DEA)
NEWARK, NJ- Senior forward Jared Rhoden and junior forward Tyrese Samuel had 15 points to lead six Pirates in double figures in a home win versus previously undefeated Wagner College.
Sophomore guard Kadary Richmond had a break-out performance (10 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals) on both court ends for the 24th-ranked Pirates. Graduates Alexis Yetna (11 points, six rebounds, two blocks) and guard Jamir Harris (12 points, two assists), along with junior forward Tray Jackson (10 points, two rebounds), joined the scoring brigade.
The Pirates finished the game shooting 52% from the floor, though only 29% from behind the 3-point arc and almost 59% from the charity stripe. They overcame another slow start with a 35-33 Pirate lead at halftime. Wagner was led by forward Raekwon Rogers (15 points, three rebounds), guard Jahbril Price-Noel (11 points, four rebounds, three assists), and guard Elijah Ford (10 points, five rebounds). The Seahawks were hit hard recently by covid and missed a few top players tonight.
When asked during the post-game presser about the Pirates’ slow starts lately, he stated that he’s been going too deep into his bench in the first half. This makes it harder for his bigs to get warmed up when called into the game, causing the offense to be less effective. Also, when asked about Myles Cale’s injury, Willard believes he’ll be back on the court next week. The Pirates return to the newly renovated Walsh Gym Saturday at noon to face Division 2 foe Nyack College. Next week is a big one as they welcome 7th-ranked Texas to the Pru then the renewed Garden State Hardwood Classic versus in-state rival Rutgers.
The Pirates are amid a five-game homestand which includes Saturday’s annual Walsh Gym game against Nyack College. With a noon tipoff, the team will get a decent little break in games until they clash with Texas next Thursday night. As head coach Kevin Willard mentioned, Cale should return to the team. His presence and leadership will be much needed for both Texas and Rutgers. After next week’s clashes, they play a neutral site game (MSG) versus Iona College in the Gotham Classic (St. John’s-Pittsburgh in the opener), then low and behold, Big East season is here! This team is undoubtedly deep enough and experienced enough to do that! So again, a game to celebrate the beautifully renovated Walsh Gym, then some much-needed rest.
