Credit: GR Productions
Pirates Look to go 5-0 before Setting Sail for Maui Invitational
Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
by Ryder Nuesell
NEWARK, N.J. -- The Seton Hall Pirates (4-0) will look to remain undefeated before their trip to Hawaii as they are set to host the New Haven Chargers (2-3) on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 P.M.
After a comeback win against the Monmouth Hawks to earn their fourth win of the young
season, Seton Hall will look to win their first five games for the first time since
the 2014-15 season when they went 7-0 to start the year.
Led by senior Stephon Payne and freshman Najai Hines, the Pirates lead the nation
in total blocks (40) and blocks per game (10). Individually, Hines is tied for the
third-most blocks in the NCAA with 16 and Payne is tied for 17th with 11 blocks.
Overall, the Pirates have been a strong defensive unit thus far. Their opponents’
average of 57.0 points per game is tenth in the nation for points allowed. The Chargers
have averaged 57.8 points per game in their five games, so this average is in good
shape to hold true for the Pirates.
Looking over at the Chargers’ side, the newly Division I team was rudely introduced
to their new field of opponents by opening their season with the Pirates’ BIG EAST
rival, the UConn Huskies. Nationally ranked fourth at the time, the Huskies defeated
New Haven 79-55.
However, after two more losses to land them at 0-3, the Chargers have most recently
won their last pair of games. With wins against the University of Massachusetts Lowell
and Delaware State University, the Chargers are on the verge of establishing a .500
record once again.
New Haven is led by junior guard Jabri Fitzpatrick and sophomore guard Najimi George.
Fitzpatrick is averaging 14.4 points per game, and while he has struggled from behind
the arc thus far, George is a three-point threat averaging 13.4 points per game that
the Pirates will have to keep an eye on.
Something that Seton Hall has experienced difficulty with early in the season has
been guarding the three-point shot, most notably against Wagner. The Seahawks gave
the Pirates their closest battle down the stretch, and the three-ball was what kept
them in the game when it seemed like Seton Hall was ready to run away with it.
The Chargers are a tall team that will force the Pirates to play physically on Tuesday
night. Be sure to tune in to 89.5 WSOU for the game where AJ Rayer and Caitlin Barrar
will have the call.
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