Seton Hall get past DePaul in Sunday matinee at The Rock

Basketball, College, Seton Hall University

February 6, 2023

On Sunday, the Seton Hall Pirates defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 69-64. In the first half, the Pirates began the game by getting off to a prolonged start against DePaul. The Pirates allowed DePaul to gain easy access to the rim by leaving the driving lanes open, not to mention their lack of defensive communication on high pick-and-roll situations. It appeared the first ten minutes of the game, the Pirates couldn’t find any rhythm offensively. At one point, just nine minutes into the game, the Pirates were trailing the Demons, 15-2.

Within the first opening minutes of the game, the Pirates played with a lack of energy and allowed DePaul’s PG Umoja Gibson and junior PF Da’Sean Nelson to control the game early. Surprisingly, the Pirates had several costly turnovers that allowed easy transition buckets for the Demons. Naturally, Seton Hall Pirates HC Shaheen Holloway wasn’t too happy and was forced to take a timeout with 11:30 remaining in the half.

After the timeout, however, the Pirates appeared to be an entirely new team. They came out with more energy and began finding a rhythm in the offense. In fact, shortly after, the ball movement improved and they began playing much more aggressively. Ultimately, the Pirates managed to cut down the deficit and take the lead with five minutes remaining in the half. In the first half, the key standouts for the Pirates were junior PG Kadary Richmond with 10 points and senior PF Tray Jackson with seven points.

“Yeah, I don’t want to get in trouble anymore so I can’t tell you, guys, what I said,” Holloway jokingly expressed in the post-game conference. “However, I left them with very kind words.”

Seton Hall's Halftime Adjustments

In the second half, the Pirates came out as an entirely new team and their presence was felt through the Prudential Center. Eight minutes into the half, the Pirates put the Demons in the penalty. There appeared to be an emphasis heading into the second half that they wanted to be much more aggressive and control the game at the foul line.

Throughout the game, the Pirates didn’t shoot well all game, especially from the three-point line. That said, the game plan appeared to utilize their size and strength and continue to draw fouls. At this point, the Pirates guards Kadary Richmond and Al-Amir Dawes took control of the game. The two guards shot a combined 20 free throws out of the team's 45 for the entirety of the game.

“We play in spurts and I want to get the team away from that and be a little bit more consistent,” Holloway continued.

In the first half, senior forward Tyrese Samuel wasn’t much of a factor, however, he came alive in the second half. Ultimately, he ended the game with 14 points and seven rebounds and helped the Pirates come out victorious. Going forward, Seton Hall must find ways to be more consistent if they wish to continue their three-game win streak. The Pirates' next four games are against longtime rivals and one of the four is nationally ranked. Going forward, there are things to build off and they are turning their focus toward the No. 23 ranked Creighton Bluejays on Wednesday night.

“At the beginning of the game, I thought he [Tyrese Samuel] was playing soft at the beginning of the game,” Holloway stated. “In the second half, he picked it up and started playing, therefore we played better. Tyrese has been big for us and our anchor down there.”