Seton Hall basketball torched its first opponents with back-to-back wins this week. The Pirates defeated Fairfield, 82-59, on November 10 and then overpowered Monmouth, 70-58, on November 13. These victories propelled Seton Hall to a perfect 4-0 record to start the season, claiming the top spot in the Big East conference standings.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Pirates improved to 4-0 with dominant defensive efforts.
- TJ Simpkins led the way with 14 points against Monmouth.
- Seton Hall held opponents under 60 points for second consecutive season.
- Balanced scoring with multiple double-digit producers each game.
- Big East leaders face New Haven next on November 18 at 7:00 PM.
Fairfield Falls to Hot Seton Hall Squad
The Pirates opened their week with a 23-point shellacking of Fairfield inside Historic Walsh Gymnasium on Monday night. Four Seton Hall players scored double digits in the rout.
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AJ Staton-McCray and Mike Williams led the offensive charge with season-high performances. Staton-McCray recorded 13 points with 4 steals, while Williams chipped in 10 points. The Pirates shot a season-best 82.1 percent from the free-throw line, going 23-for-28. Meanwhile, Fairfield struggled mightily, with most players missing badly from the field.
“The Pirates’ balanced attack overwhelmed the Stags in every phase of the game, particularly on the defensive end where Seton Hall recorded multiple steals.” — Official Report
Najai Hines recorded his first career double-double, tallying 10 points and multiple rebounds. Elijah Fisher contributed 10 points, giving the Pirates an elite depth advantage. Seton Hall allowed just 59 points, continuing its defensive dominance trend from the prior season.
Second-Half Domination Delivers Win Over Monmouth
Three days later, Seton Hall faced a first-half deficit against Monmouth but responded with championship-level resolve. The Pirates shot 50 percent from the floor in the decisive second half.
Trailing 34-27 at halftime, Seton Hall came out firing immediately after intermission. Simpkins and Staton-McCray led the offensive onslaught with relentless scoring. The Pirates exploded early in the second half, quickly tying the game and then building their lead steadily.
Mike Williams scored 5 points during a critical 11-0 run that put the game out of reach. Budd Clark established himself in the paint with a season-high 13 points, adding 6 assists and 4 steals. The defense completely shut down Monmouth, which shot just 20 percent from the field in the second half.
Seton Hall’s Record-Breaking Defensive Standards
Coach Shaheen Holloway’s squad has been suffocating on defense.
| Statistic | Seton Hall | Opponent Average |
|—|—|—|
| Points Allowed | 58-59 | 58.5 |
| Steals Per Game | 13 | 12.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | 8+ | 6 |
| Second Half FG% | 50% | 20% |
These numbers place Seton Hall among the nation’s elite defensive teams. The Pirates have now held opponents under 62 points in all four games this season. This is the second consecutive year Seton Hall has achieved this rare feat. Hines recorded 7 blocks against Monmouth, the most from a Pirate since Ike Obiagu in 2022.
Looking Ahead: New Haven Challenge
The Pirates won’t rest on their laurels heading into their next matchup.
- New Haven visits the Prudential Center on November 18 at 7:00 PM.
- Game broadcasts on ESPN+ with live stats available.
- Victory would tie Seton Hall’s best start since 2014.
- NC State looms on November 24 as a major non-conference test.
- Conference play approaches with Big East powerhouses ahead.
Are These Pirates Ready for Elite Basketball Status?
Early indicators suggest Seton Hall has legitimate championship aspirations this season. Multiple scorers can hurt opponents on any given night. The defense has been absolutely smothering and relentless through four games. Coach Holloway is building something special in Newark.
The question becomes whether this exceptional defensive start can continue against tougher competition. New Haven offers a good measuring stick before conference play begins. Will the Pirates maintain their elite defensive intensity? Can they reach 5-0 and potentially earn a top-25 ranking? Watch this space closely.
Sources
- Seton Hall Athletics – Official game recaps and statistics.
- ESPN – Box scores and conference standings data.
- Big East Conference – Conference standings and schedules.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.