Game preview: Seton Hall travels to Missouri to go up against Saint Louis

Date: November 16, 2019

By: Justin Morris

It was in the layup line just before game-time that Seton Hall guard Myles Powell gave his final confirmation that he would be playing in the game vs. Michigan State Thursday night.

His pre- game introduction as part of the starting lineup at the packed Rock for the Pirates’ first home game inside the Prudential Center produced a sound comparable to “Hulk Hogan’s entrance at WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1987”, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, as questions had been swirling all week regarding the status of the preseason All-American for the biggest matchup the Hall had played in years.

He had been nursing a bum ankle that he injured just minutes into their final matchup at Walsh Gymnasium against Wagner in the days leading up to their Michigan State bout. Initial reports surrounding the injury indicated that Powell would miss a significant amount of time following what looked to be a sprain ankle; perhaps requiring surgery that would put him out for an undetermined amount of time if it were more severe.

Coach Kevin Willard even went as far as saying that he would undoubtedly miss multiple games. Powell remained in a walking boot on Monday, but Tuesday it was reported that he was taking jump shots. That eventually turned in to a “game-time” decision text from Willard to journalist Adam Zagoria, and as the Thursday

game drew nearer, more optimism began to stem from South Orange in hopes their star guard would be suited up against the No. 3 team in the country. He fulfilled their wishes, and exceeded expectations. The sharpshooter erupted for a 37-point barrage, adding an incredible step-back three-pointer to draw a foul and put the Hall up by five with 2:40 to go.

They were unable to sustain the lead though, going scoreless in the final two minutes and falling 76-73, once again bringing out questions of their ability to close out games, and of a substantial second scoring option. Powell, despite dropping 37, was visibly hobbled, and the question from fans has been, if Powell isn’t at his peak, who will step up for the Hall? This question will be tested Sunday when they travel to St. Louis.

The Bilikens enter the game with an undefeated 3-0 record, but their upcoming matchup against the Hall will be their toughest by far, and their first against a ranked opponent. They previously cruised to comfortable victories over Florida Gulf Coast, Valparaiso and Eastern Washington, all at home. The teams have played just one game against each other in their respective histories, which ironically came last season. St. Louis just got squeaked by the Pirates 66-64 in a thriller.

The Bilikens are returning seven players from that squad, but are without their top four scorers from last year’s game, who have all moved on. Jordan Goodwin and Hassan French have both stepped up in their roles for this year’s Biliken team. Goodwin leads the team in points and rebounds, averaging 16 and 8 from the guard spot, also topping the team in steals with 3. French is averaging just over 15 ppg, with 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

Quincy McKnight and Sandro Mamukelashvili will be critical on the defensive end in stopping these two, and the Pirates will need their points production as well. The game will tip off Sunday at 4 PM EST, and be broadcasted on WSOU 89.5 FM.

Justin Morris can be reached at justin.morris@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, WSOU, Men's Basketball