Shape-shifting sophomore lifts Seton Hall over Monmouth

Two years ago, Myles Powell was a little out of shape, a bit overweight and simply not ready to play college basketball.

But now, the Seton Hall sophomore is proving he’s more than ready.

“Myles has become addicted to being in shape,” his coach, Kevin Willard, said after Powell scored 18 points to lead the No. 23-ranked Pirates past Monmouth 75-65 in the NIT Tip-Off matchup Sunday in Newark.

“He understands that how well he’s playing is in direct effect to his body,” Willard said. “It’s all about his willpower and his willingness to change. He doesn’t eat as much as he once did. He doesn’t have that seventh cookie anymore.”

Powell lost 45 pounds before last season, when he averaged 10.7 points per game. He’s off to a better start this season, reaching double figures in scoring in both of Seton Hall’s victories.

Monmouth coach King Rice recognized the change in Powell.

“Everyone knows what he can do,” Rice said. “He changed his body. Now, he’s such in good shape that they should put him on a calendar. He doesn’t waste any energy shooting the ball. He knows he’s going to get good shots.”

Angel Delgado scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Four Seton Hall players reached double figures in scoring, with Khadeen Carrington hav- ing 14 and Michael Nzei adding 10.

Deion Hammond scored 17 points and Micah Seaborn had 16 for Monmouth (1-1).

Powell scored 13 of his points in the first half, when the Pirates jumped out to a double-digit lead. He scored his team’s first five points in the second half, as the Pirates pushed their lead to 53-34 with 18:11 remaining.

The Pirates forced 21 turnovers that aided in the victory.

“Make no excuses, we got beat by a heavyweight to- day,” Rice said. “The number is next to their name for a reason. They showed us that they’re one of the top ranked teams in the country. We just didn’t want it to get to 25, 30 points. Our kids fought back.”

Rutgers 71, Central Connecticut State 67

In Piscataway, Mike Williams had 23 points and four steals and Eugene Omoruyi had 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks as much-needed sparks off the bench to lead Rutgers past Central Connecticut State.

After taking a 2-0 lead, Rutgers trailed most of the first half before Williams’ pair of free throws gave the Scarlet Knights (2-0) a 28-26 lead with 2:04 left in the first half before taking a 30-29 halftime lead.

Down 65-50 late, CCSU went on an 11-0 run before Rutgers closed out the game.

Penn State 81, Fairleigh Dickinson 57

In State College, Pa., Tony Carr scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half as Penn State beat Fairleigh Dickinson.