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Preview: The Hall Looks to End Three-Game Skid Against Wisconsin on Friday

Date: November 25, 2022

By: Spencer Gonzales

Seton Hall dropped a nailbiter to VCU, and hopes to pick themselves back up against Wisconsin.

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In their second game of the Paradise Jam, the Seton Hall Pirates (2-3) will look to end their three-game losing streak against the Wisconsin Badgers (3-3). Both the Pirates and Badgers are heading into this matchup fresh off of losses to VCU and Georgia, respectively, and hope to bounce back in Friday afternoon’s matchup.

The Hall came into this season with high expectations but have had a shaky start to non-conference play, losing three close games to Princeton, Columbia, and VCU on Thursday.

The Pirates had the Rams right where they wanted them, leading by one with under 30 seconds to go. However, with three seconds remaining, VCU’s Mary-Anna Asare hit a clutch go-ahead lay-in to put the Rams up by one, 62-61. The Hall had just enough time for one more shot, but a Sidney Cooks miss from close-range would put Seton Hall away for good.

Lauren Park-Lane got to the free throw line plenty, hitting 8-of-10 from the charity stripe including two that put the Pirates ahead before VCU hit the game-winning layup. She finished with 16 points and seven assists, alongside 14 points apiece from both Sha’Lynn Hagans and Sidney Cooks.

The offense showed some flashes of excellence, but a lack of quality play from the bench and a great performance from the Rams stood in the way of a win.

The Badgers dropped to the Georgia Bulldogs 68-60 on Thursday, but there were still impressive performances from a few Wisconsin players. Four Badgers scored in double-digits, led by redshirt freshman Maty Wilke, who went 5-for-10 with 14 points, five rebounds, and four threes.

Wilke along with freshman forward Serah Williams, who scored 13 in the loss, have led the way for Wisconsin on offense, averaging 14 points a game each so far this season. The duo also boasts a high percentage from the field, with Wilke shooting 51.6% and Williams nailing 56.9% of her shots.

The main stars on this Badgers squad are young, but their supporting cast is as seasoned as can be, with Julie Pospislova, Avery LaBarbera, and Brooke Schramek all being upperclassmen.

As a whole, Wisconsin averages 69.7 points per game while keeping their opponents to only 59.8. They shoot a respectable 43.7% from the floor and 32.6% from deep, and haul in 39.7 rebounds an outing.

While their record may not show it, the Badgers are a solid group, and should give the Pirates some trouble on Friday.

If there is anything to note about The Hall, however, it is that they don’t take losing lightly. Coach Anthony Bozella and the team all know that the way the season has started is not an accurate showing of what this squad is capable of.

Staring the season shooting 30.5% from three has been a huge reason as to why it’s been so difficult for Seton Hall to pull out wins, and is something that must be addressed against Wisconsin. The Badgers have allowed 33.3% from deep to opponents this year, making it a spot the Pirates can exploit an otherwise stingy defense.

Another key to victory for The Hall is limiting turnovers, as they have averaged just over 15 a game through five games. Wisconsin is forcing 16, meaning that Seton Hall will have to stay alert against an aggressive Badgers team.

If the Pirates can get going from beyond the arch and play smart offense, they should have a great chance at securing their third victory of the young season.

Coverage of the matchup will start at 12:45 p.m., and tip-off will take place at 1 p.m. where John Makuch and Will Swankie will have the call on Seton Hall’s very own 89.5 FM WSOU.

Spencer Gonzales is the Sports Web Editor and an Assistant Sports Manager at WSOU and can be reached at spencer.gonzales@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, Previews, Women's Basketball

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