Rutgers vs. Seton Hall basketball series formally extended
The Garden State Hardwood Classic is now booked through 2026
Jerry Carino
The Rutgers-Seton Hall basketball series is sticking around for the foreseeable future.
The schools have signed a contract to extend the annual Garden State Hardwood Classic six more years, through 2026, Gannett New Jersey has learned. The original eight-year deal runs through 2020.
Related: Both ADs discuss why Rutgers-Seton Hall is here to stay
The extension comes as no surprise. The rivalry — long known for its volatility and close finishes — regained steam recently, with the past two meetings selling out. Since Rutgers left the Big East in 2013, Seton Hall leads the non-conference matchup 4-1. Rutgers made things interesting in December with a 71-65 upset at a packed and raucous RAC, collecting the Boardwalk Trophy for the first time.
The Hall holds a 39-30 edge in a series that dates back to 1916 but kicked into high gear when Rutgers joined the Big East in 1996.
The target date for next season’s meeting is Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Prudential Center, although the date has yet to be finalized.
Staff writer Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnjcom.