Pirates Open BIG EAST Play Against Providence

Published: Saturday, December 21, 2024

by Patrick Corsello

The Seton Hall Pirates (8-3) return to Walsh Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to open Big East play at home against the Providence Friars (7-6). The Pirates look to continue their success in South Orange, where seven of their eight wins this season have come.

The Pirates enter conference play after a 91-64 loss to LSU in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Despite the setback, the Pirates had a strong nonconference showing, finishing with an 8-3 record, including two losses to top-10 opponents.

Seton Hall’s offense has been effective, focusing on fast-paced play and strong shooting. Defensively, the Pirates have emphasized controlling the tempo and creating turnovers—strategies that will be critical against Providence’s disciplined approach.

The Pirates will likely be without Savannah Catalon as she recovers from an injury sustained against Le Moyne on Dec. 14. This means Jada Eads, who has seen her workload increase in recent games after earning her first start against Howard, is expected to play a larger role.

Faith Masonius will be another key factor, leading the Pirates in field goal percentage, field goals made, and total points with 198 this season.

Providence enters the game with a 7-6 non-conference record, most recently defeating Merrimack 62-44 at Alumni Hall.

A player to watch for the Friars is guard Grace Efosa, who leads the team with 204 points and has played in all 13 games this season. With just seven 3-pointers made, she remains a significant inside scoring threat. The Pirates must contain her near the basket to start BIG EAST play strong.

Despite leading the team in points, Efosa struggled against Merrimack, finishing with just four points on 1-of-7 shooting. Instead, Olivia Olsen stepped up for Providence, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and scoring 16 points. Under second-year head coach Erin Batth, the Friars will aim to slow Seton Hall’s offense and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

A win in this BIG EAST opener would provide a boost and set the tone for a challenging conference schedule. Seton Hall will aim to leverage its home-court advantage and continue its early-season momentum against a determined Providence squad. Fans can expect an entertaining and competitive matchup as both teams vie for an important early conference victory.

Pregame coverage on 89.5 FM WSOU begins at 12:30 p.m., with Kyle Ferreira and Mike Bellifemini breaking down the matchup. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m., with Brian Henderson and Chris Jones on the call from Walsh Gymnasium.

Patrick Corsello is an Assistant Music Director at WSOU 89.5 FM and can be reached at patrick.corsello@student.shu.edu. 

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