Seton Hall men's basketball defeated Wagner College, 82-44, on Sunday at the Prudential Center to improve their record to 3-1.
The dominant victory shows positive upsides from a team still adjusting to a new system under head coach Shaheen Holloway following the Pirates' 16-point defeat to Iowa on Wednesday. The defense was a factor as Seton Hall held Wagner to 22 points in each half, including a solid offensive performance outscoring Wagner by 13 points in the first half and 25 points in the second half of the ball game. The first two minutes of the game were a chess match as Wagner would let up a quick foul and turnover after leading 3-2. It would not be until a double technical foul on both teams after two minutes and seven seconds of play in the first half that the Pirates opened up offensively.
An 11-3 run in the first four minutes of the game showed Seton Hall's aggressiveness at the start of the game. After this run, Wagner could not keep up defensively or contribute on the offensive end during the game. Senior Al-Amir Dawes led the way for the Pirates, contributing 10 points and three steals in the first half en route to a game-high 19 points in his first start this season.
This Seton Hall victory was a team effort, with five players scoring in double-figures and more than doubling Wagner's assists, with Seton Hall having 13 and Wagner having six. Wagner's defense could not contain Seton Hall's offense either, as the 82 points scored was the highest point that Wagner has allowed this season. The 82 points were Seton Hall's highest-scoring game in the early season.
Wagner's offensive struggles also showed throughout the game, shooting under 40% in free throws, three-pointers, and field goals. The Pirates took full advantage and capitalized with their three-point shooting, going 48% from beyond the arc and 52% from the field. This shooting performance allowed them to completely control the game as Seton Hall held onto the lead for a little over 37 minutes, making the first two minutes of the match the only time Wagner had the lead.
What's Next For Seton Hall
The Pirates will look to continue the momentum as they travel to Kissimmee, Florida on Thursday against the former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway and his Memphis Tigers in the ESPN Events Invitational.
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