Preview: Seton Hall returns home to play Creighton

Date: February 12, 2021

By: George E. Makris

Seton Hall Athletics

The Seton Hall Pirates (9-4 overall, 7-3 conference) will be in for a great competition to continue their in-conference action. Moreover, the Pirates will be home at the historic Walsh Gymnasium to take on the Creighton Blue Jays (4-9 overall, 3-6 conference).

 

Seton Hall is coming to this matchup after a devastating loss to the No. 2 Connecticut Huskies. The Pirates led as much as 11 points in the second quarter and held a 27-26 advantage at halftime. Even though Seton Hall forced UConn to commit 13 turnovers in the second half, the Huskies were able to capitalize on scoring-runs and beat the Pirates 70-49. Andra Espinoza-Hunter finished with 15 points, two blocks, and one assist. Also, Mya Jackson added 15 points as well and got a career-high six rebounds. The Pirates have seen highs and lows this season, but their competitiveness has stayed consistent.

Matt Dixon/The World-Herald

For Creighton, they are also coming into this competition with a tough loss against the Providence Friars, 60-48. The Friars were able to rip apart the Creighton defense and score roughly 20 points inside the paint.

 

Temi Carda was able to record 15 points, four assists, and two rebounds to assist the Bluejays. Emma Ronsiek added 8 points and 4 rebounds for the Blue Jays as well. Creighton is tough in their defense but their ability to capitalize on second chance points has cost them multiple games this season.

 

The last time these two teams met, Seton Hall lost on the road, 78-66. The Pirates kept it close, but it was the Bluejays who pulled it out in the end. Jaylyn Agnew balled out notching 28 points and Tatum Rembao dropped 20 points. As for the Pirates, it was guard Mya Jackson who led the scoring 19 points.

Creighton University Athletics

However, one aspect the Pirates were able to do was make the Bluejays commit more turnovers. Securing the ball and making Creighton get physical is something Seton Hall could work on in their upcoming matchup. The Pirates need to control the tempo as much as possible to not lose control of the match.

 

Also, another feature the Pirates could improve on is generating more steals as the Blue Jays only had one more steal than their opponent to secure the win. Seton Hall’s defense must lock down inside the arc while containing the opposing team’s star players. A strong defense will make shots more for their opponent. Creighton is not afraid to get physical when the game is on the line, as well. Staying focused and physical, without generating a substantial number of fouls, would be beneficial for the Pirates to dominate this matchup.

 

WSOU 89.5 FM has you covered with pre-game coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. and tip-off being at 1:00 p.m. where Ronny Castaneda and Jimmy Bliss will be on the broadcast when the Pirates take on the Bluejays.

George E. Makris can be reached at george.makris@student.shu.edu.

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