Credit: GR Productions
Pirates Prepare For Battle vs USC in Palm Springs
Published: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
by Nick Powell
PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. - The Seton Hall women’s basketball team gears up for one of its toughest challenges of the season as they travel to Los Angeles to face the No. 6 University of Southern California Trojans. The Pirates are coming off their first loss of the season, a hard-fought 78-75 defeat at the hands of Princeton. The Hall will need to regroup quickly to compete with a powerhouse USC squad led by All-American JuJu Watkins.
In their loss to Princeton, Seton Hall’s Yaya Lops put on an impressive performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing six rebounds. Lops has been a dominant force in the paint this season, providing both scoring and defensive presence for the Pirates.
Lops and another graduate transfer, Faith Masonius, have anchored the Seton Hall frontcourt through the team’s first five games. Masonius, who joined the Pirates from Maryland, has been nothing short of stellar, averaging over 19 points and five rebounds per game while also serving as a vocal leader on the court.
Together, Masonius and Lops have been the backbone of Seton Hall’s success, combining for consistent scoring and rebounding efforts. However, their performances alone will not be enough against a USC team that boasts one of the most talented rosters in the nation. The Pirates will need a complete team effort to pull off an upset.
The Women of Troy enter the matchup undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the nation. They are led by sophomore phenom and All-American point guard JuJu Watkins, who has been electric so far this season. Averaging 22 points per game, Watkins has quickly established herself as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Her ability to score at all three levels, combined with her court vision and defensive tenacity, makes her a nightmare matchup for any team.
The Trojans also feature a deep supporting cast, with versatile forwards and sharpshooting guards that make them a threat on both ends of the floor. Seton Hall will need to find a way to slow down Watkins while also contesting USC’s other offensive weapons. Defensively, USC’s size and athleticism have been suffocating, which could pose a significant challenge for the Pirates’ offense.
Key players like Masonius and Lops will need to continue their strong play, but the Pirates will also look to their backcourt for contributions. Guard play will be crucial, particularly in managing the pace of the game and countering USC’s relentless defensive pressure.
Freshman Jada Eads has shown flashes of brilliance off the bench this season and could play a pivotal role for the Pirates, injecting energy and defensive intensity against a high-powered Trojans team. Tip-off is set for Saturday night at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
While the odds may be stacked against Seton Hall, this matchup offers a valuable test early in the season. For the Pirates, it’s not just about winning or losing; it's about measuring themselves against one of the best programs in the country and building momentum for the rest of the campaign.
Nick Powell can be reached at nickolas.powell@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,