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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- One week away from its Big East
opener, Seton Hall is still struggling to beat teams it
should beat, and coach Tommy Amaker is concerned.
|  | | Seton Hall's Eddie Griffin blocks a shot -- one of four for the game -- in the first half against Hartford. |
Eddie Griffin scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked
four shots Wednesday as the Pirates (No. 12 ESPN/USA Today, No. 11 Associated Press) pulled away from stubborn
Hartford in the second half for an 85-67 victory.
But when asked after the game if he thought the Pirates were
ready for Big East play, Amaker replied: "No, I don't."
"I think we're going to be a little surprised as to how much
tougher it's going to be," he said. "The competition will be
comparable to Illinois, Michigan State (the Pirates' two losses) and
Clemson (a one-point victory). The games will be intense.
"I think our habits and discipline have a long way to go, and
when you get into the thick of Big East play those things are
easily exposed."
Griffin, the talented 6-foot-9 freshman, said Seton Hall has had
difficulty putting teams away but felt certain the Pirates will be
ready for the conference opener in Providence next Wednesday.
"We've had that problem all year," Griffin said when asked
about the Hall's inability to put Hartford away early. "We get
ahead and then get lackadaisical. I don't know why. But we're a
good team and when the Big East season begins we'll be ready."
Leading 45-34 at the half, the Pirates (8-2) opened the second
half outscoring the Hawks 15-8, with Darius Lane getting nine
points.
But Hartford (2-7) closed within 63-55 on Todd Jones' jumper
with 9:10 remaining before Andre Barrett scored six of the next
nine points to ignite a 14-2 run that gave Seton Hall a 77-57 lead.
"There's a little tarnish in spots right now," Lane said.
"We're still polishing things up. We'll be ready when the bell
rings."
Hartford coach Larry Harrison, who helped recruit Danny Fortson
and Kenyon Martin to Cincinnati, was quick to point out how
well-balanced and talented Seton Hall is.
"With them you pick your poison," said Harrison. "In the
first half we did a good job and held Lane to three points. But he
ended up with 17. Griffin is very talented but I think Lane is the
key to their team."
The Pirates struggled early, trailing 24-19 with 9:36 to play in
the first half. But Seton Hall responded with an 18-3 run that
included eight points by Barrett and six by Griffin to take a 37-27
lead.
Lane finished with 17 points, while Barrett added 16 and seven
assists, and Marcus Toney-El scored 12. Mantas Storpirstis led
Hartford with 17.
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ALSO SEE
Men's College Basketball Scoreboard
Hartford Clubhouse
Seton Hall Clubhouse
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