WSOU

Preview: Pirates Take On Friars in Regular Season Finale

Date: March 4, 2023

By: Justin Lotito

Kadary Richmond against the Providence Friars.

Kayla Fonseca/WSOU

“Every time we lose, I can’t sleep,” said Shaheen Holloway during an emotional interview.

After a year of ups and downs, Holloway’s first season as the coach of The Hall is coming to an end.

Holloway and the Pirates experienced some success this season. The biggest win of the year came against ranked UConn after a 17-point comeback at home. However, as of late, Seton Hall has been experiencing more downs then ups.

The Hall has only won two of their last seven matchups, dropping games against Villanova, UConn, Xavier, and Villanova again; last time on senior night.

Guard Kadary Richmond has also been dealing with a back injury. Richmond’s absence has been a huge blow, as the Pirates losing streak has shown they are in need of depth.

However, if Richmond is good to go against the Providence Friars, he can have a monumental impact. In Seton Hall’s first matchup against the Friars this season, Richmond played phenomenally. He scored 28 points, accounted for five assists, and had nine rebounds. If Richmond is cleared to play, he will be a player to look out for.

Another player that will need to play well in order for the Pirates to secure a victory is Jamir Harris. In The Hall’s first matchup against the Friars, Harris scored only five points, shooting 12 percent from beyond the arc. While he struggled in their first matchup, if Harris can get it going against Providence, the Pirates offense will greatly benefit.

Beating the Friars will be a tall task. Providence enters this matchup ranked No. 20 in the nation. In BIG EAST play, the Friars are 13-6. They are also 15-1 at home, making a road victory for The Hall even more challenging.

When Providence played Seton Hall at the rock, Bryce Hopkins led the way for the Friars. Hopkins earned a double-double, scoring 24 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. This season Hopkins is averaging 16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds (which is tied for 56th in the nation) and shooting 46.5 percent from the field.

Another contributor the Pirates will have to look out for is Noah Locke. Locke scored 10 points against the Pirates in their first matchup. On the season, Locke is averaging 11.3 points and is shooting 44 percent from the field.

If the Pirates want any shot at a March Madness bid, it is win or go home from this point forward. Tip-off against the Friars is at 12 pm, this Saturday, with Michael Stamm and Bobby Steiner on the call on WSOU 89.5 FM.

Justin Lotito can be reached at justin.lotito@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, Game Previews

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