Seton Hall basketball survived an upset bid from Saint Peter’s on night one of college basketball.
Seton Hall trailed late in the game but got ahead in the final minutes, able to withstand a last gasp by the Peacocks, winning 57-53.
The Pirates were led by Chaunce Jenkins’ 19 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field. Other than the Old Dominion transfer’s hot shooting, the offense was practically non-existent in this game. Both teams shot under 36% from the field and only combined for 17 assists.
It should be noted that sophomore Isaiah Coleman was hurt and did not play for the Hall. He’s expected to be a notable contributor as the season moves along.
Takeaway #1: Shaheen Holloway’s pressure defense isn’t going anywhere
Pirates head coach Shaheen Holloway preaches defense and if you thought that was going to change in 2024-25, think again.
SHU forced 19 turnovers and made an ugly shooting night look even uglier with countless batted balls, intercepted passes, and melee on the basketball court. Bashir Mason’s Peacocks have a similar identity, which added to the craziness of this contest.
But lost in how tough of a watch this game was, was the fact that Seton Hall held a Division I opponent to just 53 points. The Peacocks only hit 15 shots, and only 7 were assisted. The Pirates will look to turn an organized 40-minute basketball game into a disorganized, scrappy matchup. There’s beauty in the madness.
Takeaway #2: Rebounding is an issue
Seton Hall was outrebounded, 35-32, and also let up 10 offensive rebounds. That can’t happen in Big East play, and it especially can’t happen in a buy game.
The Hall’s leading rebounders were Jenkins and Dylan Addae-Wusu, who both grabbed six. While it’s nice to see guards going after boards, and Holloway wants all five players to have a hand in grabbing misses, the Pirates’ big men need to be more effective on the glass.
It isn’t an overly tall Seton Hall basketball team. There is no Angel Delgado or Romaro Gill in South Orange this season. But the forwards and centers on this squad have to be more active on the boards, especially for a team that seems to be somewhat offensively challenged.
Takeaway #3: Chaunce Jenkins is the guy
I get the feeling Shaheen Holloway is nowhere near set in stone on lineups or minutes for this roster. But I also get the feeling that Chaunce Jenkins is one of the few players who will have a green light on offense.
The Old Dominion transfer led Seton Hall in points but also looked the most comfortable on offense with the ball in his hands. He knocked down two triples and fought his way to the free throw line, hitting 9-of-10 there.
It will be a work in progress for this Seton Hall team and roles will be more defined as the year goes on. But Jenkins certainly made his mark in game one.
Next up for Seton Hall (1-0): vs. Fordham (0-1) – Nov. 9 at Noon
Next up for Saint Peter’s (0-1): at UMass Lowell (1-0) – Nov. 8 at 6 p.m.