Pirates Look to Right Course vs DePaul Blue Demons

Published: Wednesday, January 8, 2025

by Lauren Reese

NEWARK, N.J. - The Seton Hall Pirates (5-9) are desperately looking to snap their five-game losing streak, and will turn their attention to the DePaul Blue Demons (9-6) on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center. Both teams are looking for their first win in BIG EAST play after going through serious struggles as of late.

The Pirates have had some rest since their last matchup, a 94-72 loss at the hands of the Xavier Musketeers in the Cintas Center on New Year's Eve. Isaiah Coleman led the team with 19 points, which was the sophomore’s sixth game of scoring in double-figures within his last seven appearances. He currently ranks second in the BIG EAST with his 22 PPG, while simultaneously leading the team in points, free throws (81%), and rebounds (five). 

Looking further past Coleman, in order to have a balanced offense, the Pirates need a consistent increase in the scoring department from someone else. After an exciting nonconference performance that slowed down after a slight injury, Chaunce Jenkins still holds second place on the team in scoring, averaging 11.4 PPG and 39% from three. The likes of Dylan Addae-Wusu and Scotty Middleton, two players who have shown flashes of excellence within the recent losses, must emerge at the forefront early and establish themselves as serious threats on the court within the opportunities they create and finish.  

BIG EAST play brings heavier and more physical competition; the Pirates will need to utilize skillful ballhandlers and creative ball movement to establish themselves in each game going forward. The team is currently in their longest losing skid since Feb. 3 to Feb. 21 in the 2014-15 season, and the 94 points vs Xavier were the most points the Pirates have given up this season. This is uncharacteristic for a team that has seemingly held its identity in its defense.

Similarly to the Pirates, DePaul are also looking to flip the narrative on their own losing streak. After a scorching 9-2 nonconference record, the Blue Demons have lost their past four conference games. They started BIG EAST play with an overtime loss at home to Providence 70-63, then fell at St. John’s 89-61, and to UConn 81-68. Most recently and brutally, DePaul was pummeled by Eric Dixon and the Villanova Wildcats by a whopping 44 points, 100-56. It was the Blue Demons’ biggest loss in program history. 

What’s been growing in attention is the public’s skepticism regarding the authenticity of DePaul’s skill and performance. After dominating in nonconference play against mid-majors under new head coach Chris Holtmann, the Blue Demons have certainly raised some eyebrows regarding their lackluster performances against the standard BIG EAST competition so far. 

Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer will look to lead his squad to victory within the compounds of The Rock. The sophomore is averaging 14.2 PPG at a 43% clip from the field and 41% from three. Meyer knocked down his third-straight game in double-digit scoring vs Villanova, collecting 13 points. 

Graduate student Isaiah Rivera follows behind Meyer in scoring, second on the team with 10.9 PPG, as well as a staggering 44% from three. The UIC transfer led his Flames last year in scoring, and in his final year of collegiate play has proved consistent with his last year’s 42% from three-point range. Missouri State transfer NJ Benson leads the team in rebounds (5.5) and blocks (1.1), and will look to match up against Pirate bigs Emmanuel Okorafor and Godswill Erheriene.

The last time the DePaul Blue Demons won a conference game came on March 8, 2023, in the first round of the BIG EAST tournament.

They prevailed over the Seton Hall Pirates, 66-65.

Plenty is on the line for these two restless teams. Tipoff will be at 6:30 p.m. and can be heard on WSOU 89.5 FM or wsou.net. Brian Henderson and Jackson Shank are on the call, with WSOU’s pregame beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

Lauren Reese is an Assistant Sports Director and Web Editor at WSOU and can be reached at lauren.reese@student.shu.edu. 

 

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