Preview:Pirates start off conference play vs. St. John's

Date: December 10, 2020

By: Jimmy Bliss

Fox Sports

Coming off the back of a huge win against Wagner, Seton Hall looks to extend their two-game winning streak to three games, as they host St. John’s on Friday afternoon. With a current record of 3-3, Kevin Willard’s men have a very important game ahead of them, in terms of Big East implications. The Pirates open conference play against a Red Storm team that enters this game at 5-1, just one game back of first place.

 

Although he was ejected in Tuesday’s game against Wagner, Sandro Mamukelashvili will not be penalized for this game. Thus far, the Pirates big man is averaging 18.5 points and seven rebounds-per-game while shooting 47% from the field. He will be instrumental if the Pirates plan on exiting the Prudential Center over .500 for the first time all season. Expect to see a lot from the senior out of Tbilisi, Georgia on Friday evening.

Seton Hall Athletics

Seton Hall will remain without Point Guard Bryce Aiken, as he nurses an ankle sprain suffered in the Pirates opener, against Louisville. He is making progress toward a return, hinting that next week’s affair with Providence may be his return date.

 

 In his absence, Jared Rhoden, Myles Cale, and Shavar Reynolds have stepped their games up. Averaging 16, 10 and 10 points respectively, they have given Mamu a much-needed option to kick the ball out to when need be.

Nj.com

As for St. John’s, they currently sit at fourth place in the Big East. They are led by guard Julian Chamagnie, who is quietly averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds in his four appearances for the Red Storm.

 

The Sophomore from Brooklyn, NY, is picking up right where he left off last season, before the college basketball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds in his last 3 appearances last season. If St. John’s is to win this game, Chamagnie will be the reason why.

Stormthepaint.com

Last season, the Pirates swept the Red Storm in their season series, winning both games. Coach Willard would love to make it three straight wins against St. John’s this afternoon. You can listen to the game on 89.5 FM WSOU, starting with pregame coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. and with tip-off being at 4:30 p.m.

Jimmy Bliss can be reached at james.bliss@student.shu.edu.

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