Pirates Look to Escape BIG EAST Cellar Against Butler

Published: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

by Jack Pine

The Seton Hall Pirates (6-16, 1-10) look to finally find the light at the end of the tunnel, as they take on the Butler Bulldogs (9-13, 2-9) on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center. Following their loss to DePaul, the Pirates now hold sole possession of last place in the BIG EAST.

The Pirates come into the mid-week matchup with a seven-game losing streak. Wednesday night will mark four weeks since the last time the Pirates won, back on Jan. 8. That night, the Pirates came back from a 19-point deficit to defeat DePaul in overtime for their lone BIG EAST win of the season.

Seton Hall and Butler last met on Jan. 15, where the Bulldogs escaped with a 82-77 win over the Pirates. The Hall just couldn’t win the battle down low, as Butler led in rebounding and second-chance scoring by seven. Andre Screen and Patrick McCaffery set the pace in the paint for the Bulldogs, grabbing 12 rebounds combined.

Despite the tough luck, Isaiah Coleman has still put together a very productive season for the Pirates. Coleman has come into his own in conference play, where he trails only Villanova’s Eric Dixon and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner in scoring. Averaging 18.5 points per game against BIG EAST foes, Coleman has been the brightest star in South Orange.

The Hall has also been plagued by injuries in recent games, especially at the guard position. Dylan Addae-Wusu and Chaunce Jenkins were both unavailable against DePaul on Saturday night. Scotty Middleton also suffered a lower body injury in the first half and did not return.

Butler has not had much better results this season, sporting a 2-9 record in BIG EAST play. In their most recent matchup, they lost a 73-70 nailbitter to Georgetown on Friday night. Finley Bizjack led the Bulldogs in points, with 17, while Screen added 16. Screen has now scored in double figures in four of Butler’s last five games. 

Throughout the season, Butler has been guided by Jahmyl Telfort, who leads the team in points and assists. Marquette’s Kam Jones is the only other player in the BIG EAST to lead his team in both categories. Telfort has led the Bulldogs in scoring in 10 games this season and has posted 20 or more points eight times.

WSOU’s live coverage will begin at 6 p.m., with analysis from CJ Weipz and Kyle Ferreira. Tip off scheduled for 6:30 from the Prudential Center. Bobby Steiner and Chris Jones will have the call.

Jack Pine is an Assistant Sports Director/Sports Web Editor at WSOU 89.5 FM and can be reached at john.pine@student.shu.edu. 

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