Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a thrilling nonconference clash, Seton Hall emerged victorious over Monmouth, finishing with a score of 70-58 on Thursday evening in Newark, New Jersey. After trailing by seven at halftime, the Pirates mounted a formidable comeback in the second half, showcasing strong defense and improved shooting to dominate the game.
TJ Simpkins led the way for Seton Hall with 14 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that secured the lead for the Pirates with just over 15 minutes remaining. His teammates also played vital roles, contributing both points and defensive stops to reshape the game's trajectory.
A.J. Staton-McCray and Adam Clark chipped in with 13 points each, maintaining a steady offensive flow for the Pirates. Monmouth's Stefanos Spartalis was the standout for the Hawks, scoring 16 points, but the Pirates' defense ultimately suffocated Monmouth's efforts in the second half. Seton Hall moved to an undefeated 4-0 this season thanks to this win.
Monmouth struggled significantly after the break, managing only four field goals. Seton Hall’s defensive intensity shifted the momentum in their favor; they registered 13 steals and blocked 10 shots, with Hines making an impressive seven blocks. This defensive prowess effectively curtailed Monmouth's scoring opportunities, leading to a comfortable victory for the Pirates.
The second half opened with Seton Hall erasing Monmouth's seven-point lead within the first 90 seconds, starting a 7-0 run initiated by a layup from Elijah Fisher, followed by a three-pointer from Mike Williams and two free throws by Staton-McCray. Once they gained the lead, Seton Hall maintained control throughout the remainder of the match.
Despite Monmouth's efforts to fight back, highlighted by a dunk from Dok Muordar that narrowed the score to 42-38, the Hawks did not score again from the field until Jason Rivera-Torres hit a three-pointer late in the game while trailing by 15 points. Seton Hall consistently outpaced Monmouth, heading toward an easy victory.
The initial half witnessed fierce competition, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Monmouth's first basket came after a few minutes, followed by an 8-0 run by Seton Hall featuring consecutive three-pointers from Staton-McCray, propelling them to a 17-13 advantage. Yet, Monmouth quickly responded with their own scoring streak, keeping the match close.
During the first half, Seton Hall experienced a rough shooting stretch, going just 1-for-9 while Monmouth capitalized on the opportunity to build a 31-22 lead. Nevertheless, the Pirates regrouped with tenacious defense and well-rounded scoring, ultimately dominating the second half to seal a convincing win.
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