Preview: Pirates visit Friars after team's quarantine

Date: January 2, 2021

By: Madison Fruchter

Seton Hall Athletics

Coming off of a two-and-a-half-week hiatus as well as a two-game losing streak, the Pirates look to turn things around in their second game of Big East conference play as they travel to Providence on Jan. 3 to face the Friars. The Pirates’ 92-65 loss to UConn on Dec. 15 followed by a total pause on team activities due to recent positive COVID-19 tests resulted in a rocky start to their conference play.

 

Nevertheless, the Pirates need to bounce back after a quiet two weeks with resilience to secure a much-needed win on Sunday. Currently 0-1 in Big East play and 2-2 overall, the Pirates were held to 65 points by defensive powerhouse UConn in their previous matchup, however certain players were able to contribute offensively including sophomore Lauren Park-Lane. Putting up 29 points and six assists, Park-Lane led the team in scoring followed by Desiree Elmore and Mya Bembry with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

 

In their last two losses, opponents allowed only three Pirates to end the game with double-digit point totals, clearly not enough to outscore both Albany and UConn. Moving into their matchup on Sunday, a more distributed scoring effort from multiple members of the team could prove to be the key in asserting the team’s offensive dominance.

Providence Athletics

Though the Friars have more games under their belt, 4-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play, they too are coming off of a tough loss and look to rebound on their home court. Kyra Spiwak and Chanell Williams clocked in at 19 and 12 points, respectively, in their last game which unfortunately could not do the trick in securing the Friars a win. Comparatively to the Pirates, Providence struggled in allowing 20 turnovers against their opponent, awarding them 24 points.

 

Moving forward, the Pirates need to control the pace of the game from the start, as we have seen what the result looks like in these past two games when Seton Hall plays at their opponents’ speed. Additional control can help reduce the turnovers allowed by the Pirates, in the wake of a season-high 20 turnovers during their last game, in which UConn converted 22 points.

Noah K. Murray/Associated Press

Though the beginning of their season has been full of trials and tribulations, the Pirates can only use these experiences to propel themselves forward and climb the rankings in the Big East starting this Sunday. Be sure to catch the Pirates on 89.5 FM WSOU with the game set to tip off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3. Ronny Castaneda and Wilnir Louis will be on the call joined by your in-studio team of Michael Daly and Jorie Mickens for pre-game and post-game coverage.

Madison Fruchter can be reached at madison.fruchter@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, Game Previews, Women's Basketball, WSOU