Pirates Eye Another BIG EAST Win Over Providence

Published: Saturday, January 11, 2025

by Anthony Collins

The Seton Hall Pirates (6-9), coming off their first win in the BIG EAST against DePaul, will look to build on that overtime victory as they head to Rhode Island to face the Providence Friars (8-8) on Saturday evening. The Pirates, led by head coach Shaheen Holloway, will aim to find consistency after a disappointing start to their conference play.

Providence also enters the matchup with some momentum, ending a four-game losing streak with a decisive victory over Butler on Wednesday. Players like Jayden Pierre and Joseph Bensley have stepped up for Providence, especially with the loss of Bryce Hopkins, who reinjured the same knee that ended his season last year. The Pirates will need to focus on keeping pace with these playmakers.

Seton Hall will look to establish its defensive identity as it faces a high-scoring Friars squad. The Pirates will need to match Providence's pace by consistently getting the ball to Isaiah Coleman. In the first half of their game against DePaul, Seton Hall's offense struggled to find momentum, teetering on the edge of extending their losing streak.

The offense must run through Coleman, who shot the ball only twice in the first half. Later in the game, the Pirates made a huge comeback, with Coleman scoring 15 of his 24 points in the final two minutes of regulation and overtime, including the game-tying 3-pointer that sent the contest to overtime.

Dylan Addae-Wusu, one of the returning players for the Pirates from last season, had his best game of the season with 24 points, seven assists, and three steals. He also knocked down five shots from beyond the arc, setting a career high in points since transferring to Seton Hall.

Another player who can uplift the offense is true freshman Jahseem Felton, who has provided the Pirates with a spark every time he checks in off the bench. Felton could be the missing piece at point guard for Seton Hall, as he rarely turns the ball over and didn’t miss a single shot in the last game.

Shaheen Holloway believes this could be the turning point for the Pirates, providing an opportunity to find a rhythm in winning key conference games down the stretch. As Holloway works to integrate the newcomers into the lineup, each game offers a chance for players to build chemistry and learn to play together. He remains hopeful the Pirates can catch fire at any moment.

Seton Hall and Providence will tip off at 5 p.m. at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. Mike Federico and Joe Morales will have the call. Pregame coverage will begin at 4:30 p.m., hosted by Lauren Reese and Kyle Ferreira. Tune to WSOU 89.5 FM for all the action.

Anthony Collins can be reached at anthony.collins@student.shu.edu. 

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