Seton Hall looks poised to exact some revenge against Monmouth after an upset that rattled their season last November. The two teams are set to collide again, with the Pirates eager to rectify their recent loss to the Hawks, who secured a surprising 63-51 victory—their first win in 16 meetings—on November 30.
Currently, Seton Hall has regained momentum with a perfect 3-0 record following a dominant 82-59 win against Fairfield. The Pirates have been particularly impressive on defense, allowing only 56.7 points per game. The young squad, with ten newcomers, is beginning to mesh well under the guidance of head coach Shaheen Holloway.
### Key Players and Performances
In their last outing, freshman center Najai Hines showcased his potential by achieving his first collegiate double-double, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds. Senior A.J. Staton-McCray stepped up with a season-high 13 points, reflecting his importance to the squad. Coach Holloway expressed his expectations from Staton-McCray, emphasizing that even when shots aren’t falling, he needs to contribute in various ways.
Seton Hall has had to navigate some early-season challenges, including injuries. Godswill Erheriene, a key returning big man, is sidelined with a shoulder injury. In the same game against Fairfield, guard Jahseem Felton suffered an injury, leading to more playing time for sophomore Trey Parker, who is working to regain his rhythm after a preseason setback. Coach Holloway is committed to managing player minutes judiciously, especially with a packed schedule ahead.
### Monmouth’s Situation
On the other side, Monmouth enters the game with a 1-1 record. They recently dominated Division II Caldwell 96-68 but faltered against La Salle, losing 73-60. The Hawks struggled with turnovers in their loss, committing 16 giveaways and shooting a dismal 5-for-21 from beyond the arc. However, Jason Rivera-Torres, a transfer from San Francisco, is making a mark, averaging 16.5 points per game.
Adding to the Hawks’ challenges is the absence of starting point guard Kavion McClain, who is currently under NCAA investigation for potential rules violations. Coach King Rice has expressed uncertainty regarding McClain’s status and the investigation’s timeline, leaving a significant gap in Monmouth’s lineup.
### Rivalry and Importance of the Game
The rivalry between Seton Hall and Monmouth has intensified, particularly after the Hawks broke their long losing streak against the Pirates last season. Coach Rice highlighted the importance of continuing to play against Seton Hall, noting that it’s beneficial for Monmouth’s program and finances. The mutual interest in this matchup sets the stage for a highly charged game, as both teams have a lot at stake.
### What to Expect
As Seton Hall prepares to host Monmouth in Newark, the game promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Pirates will aim to assert their dominance and establish themselves as a serious contender, while Monmouth will look to continue building momentum despite the challenges they face. With their recent performances showcasing resilience and teamwork, Seton Hall could be even more motivated to avenge their previous loss, leveraging their home-court advantage.
The Pirates’ defense will be vital in limiting Monmouth’s scoring, especially as they deal with McClain’s absence. With key players like Hines and Staton-McCray stepping up, the coming game presents a perfect opportunity for Seton Hall to reaffirm their strength.
### Conclusion
Seton Hall’s quest for payback against Monmouth underscores the significance of this upcoming game. Both teams will come in with their share of pressures and aspirations, contributing to the enduring excitement of this basketball rivalry. As the Pirates seek redemption, fans can look forward to an intense matchup that highlights the passion and unpredictability of college basketball.
Source link
