Jeremy Hazell scored 25 points to lead Seton Hall to a crucial 76-70 victory over intrastate rival Rutgers on Tuesday night.
It was the fourth win in the last five games for Seton Hall (16-10, 7-8 Big East), which is making a late-season push toward a possible NCAA Tournament berth.
The Pirates took control of the game early in the first half when they went on a 16-1 run over a 4:11 span to take a 28-10 lead with 11:40 left.
The Scarlet Knights (14-14, 4-11) made a late charge, cutting the lead to 68-64 with 2:36 left, but couldn't get any closer.
After missing the last two games with a bruised right wrist, Eugene Harvey returned to action for the Pirates and added 10 points, while Jordan Theodore had 12 and Jeff Robinson chipped in 10.
Mike Rosario scored 17 points, including six in a 9-second span of the second half, and Johnathan Mitchell added 14 for Rutgers.
