Credit: GR Productions
Seton Hall Looking to Play Spoiler Inside Gampel Against #6 UConn
Published: Friday, February 27, 2026
by Nick Diodato
STORRS, C.T. – The Seton Hall Pirates (19-9, 9-8) will look for win number 20 on the season as they head to the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion to take on the #6 UConn Huskies (26-3, 16-2).
Seton Hall is approaching the end of the regular season with just three more games remaining, as they continue to try to make a push for the NCAA tournament, as well as looking to finish strong and bring that momentum into the BIG EAST tournament.
The Pirates are coming off a hard-fought 51-47 win at home against the Georgetown Hoyas. Najai Hines was the notable Pirate that night, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, his 3rd double-double of the season, and shot 100% from the field, going 3/3.
Since BIG EAST play began, the Pirates have become one of the most inconsistent teams in the conference, at just 9-8. That play is not going to cut it against a UConn team that is top 10 in the country, who just beat #15 St. John's by 32 points.
In that game, the Huskies ran full throttle from the get-go, giving St. John's no chance to get near a run to get them back in the game. UConn had three players scoring in double digits, with senior center Tarris Reed Jr. posting a double-double. Reed Jr. put up a monster stat line of 20 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks, three assists, and two steals, on 9/14 shooting.
Other double-digit scorers were Alex Karaban with 14 points and five rebounds, and Solo Ball with 11 points and four assists.
For the Pirates, they need to be on their A-game the entire contest. The Huskies can get hot at any time of the game and have shown why they are a clear top six team right now. Playing the way they are right now, with minimal effort, is to say the least, scary for the Pirates.
However, defense will be the clear key for the Hall. The Pirates rank #1 across all power five programs in combined total blocks and steals. They had 10 steals versus Georgetown, their 13th double-digit game for steals, and currently average 9.5 a game.
Consistency will be key for this Pirates team come Saturday. While they have shown to be a great second half team throughout the season, UConn is not a team you want to go against to be put in a comeback situation. With five Huskie players averaging over 10 points per game, they are once again not to be messed with, making a tough matchup for Seton Hall.
Ryan Nelke and Ryder Nuesell will have the call from Storrs, Connecticut on 89.5 FM WSOU, with tipoff set for 12 p.m.
Nick Diodato can be reached at nicholas.diodato@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,