Nzei proves productive after lost season

© Joey Khan PhotographySeton Hall fans and players alike were elated on Saturday, Dec. 6 after SHU roasted Rutgers for the second straight year to win the Garden State Hardwood Classic, 84-55.

One of the most excited people in blue and white was Pirates forward Michael Nzei, who made his first collegiate start in the shellacking of SHU’s in-state rival. Filling in for the injured Ismael Sanogo (shoulder), the 6-foot-7- inch, 200-pound Nigerian native notched a double-double, tallying 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting to accompany 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 31 minutes of action.

“I thought Michael played just phenomenal,” head coach Kevin Willard said after the game. “He…