Butler Sweeps Season Series Over Pirates

Published: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

by Jack Pine

NEWARK, N.J. – The Seton Hall Pirates (6-17, 1-11) continued their struggles Wednesday night, as they fell 84-54 to the Butler Bulldogs (10-13, 3-9). Butler has now swept the season series against The Hall, who remain in last place in the BIG EAST standings.

The Bulldogs were effective early and often from beyond the arc, draining five long shots in the first six minutes. Three of them belonged to Patrick McCaffery, who finished the first half 5-for-6 from the field.

The Pirates began the game with a conservative offensive approach, relying almost exclusively on midrange shots. Butler's dominant perimeter defense was in sync throughout the game, particularly in the first half. The Pirates' offense was so stifled on the outside during the first half that they attempted just five shots from beyond the arc, missing all of them.

For the second straight home game, Isaiah Coleman struggled to score. He was held scoreless in the first half and made only one midrange shot in the second half. Coleman finished with more turnovers (3) than points (2).

The first half only got worse for The Hall, as the rest of the offense disappeared as well. The Pirates were unable to hit on 10 straight attempts from the field, contributing to a scoring drought of over five minutes. The Pirates would enter the locker room trailing by 28.

By halftime, it had become clear that the Pirates were once again overmatched. They could not contain Butler’s three-point offense, and they could not keep up under the basket. Butler had made seven three-point baskets, while Seton Hall had made none. Butler had 22 rebounds, while Seton Hall had just 11.

Things would get interesting in the second half, as Butler made multiple mistakes that allowed the Pirates to get back into the game. Coach Holloway’s defense was able to force nine turnovers in the second half, but only scored 10 points off of those turnovers.

Prince Aligbe vented his frustrations early in the second half, slamming one down to get the crowd back into the game. After the next inbound, Coleman got the swipe and fed inside to Aligbe, who put it in and drew the foul. This led to one of two 8-0 runs by the Pirates in the second half. Aligbe finished with 17 points, leading the Pirates in scoring.

Despite The Hall’s fight in the second half, they were still no match for the Bulldogs, who silenced the crowd late in regulation, forcing the Pirates into a scoring drought of over six minutes. Seton Hall eventually went quietly, as Butler finished off a 84-54 blowout at the Prudential Center. 

The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday, as they now prepare to face the Georgetown Hoyas in the nation’s capital. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m., as the Pirates will look to break an eight-game losing streak. Mike Federico and Bobby Steiner 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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