NEWARK -- The 10,481 fans filled the sold-out arena before tipoff and then, when the final seconds of a hard-fought game ran off the clock, they stood in front of their seats for a unified standing ovation.
Yes, the Seton Hall fans were cheering for their team's come-from-behind 72-61 victory. And yes, the Rutgers fans were applauding for their young team's solid effort against the best opponent it has faced this season.
But maybe, on this night at the Prudential Center, it occurred to a few of them that they were cheering for the sport itself.