Pirates Blown Out at No. 6 UConn

Published: Sunday, January 19, 2025

by Nick DiBlasi

STORRS, Conn. – The Seton Hall Pirates (13-5, 5-2) suffered a huge defeat on the road at Storrs, Connecticut, falling to the No. 6 UConn Huskies (17-2, 8-0) 93-36. In the basketball program's biggest test of the season, the Pirates could not find any rhythm on either end of the court. 

The Huskies found a groove from the start, going on a 14-2 run in the opening minutes of the matchup. This initial push was enough to control a demanding lead for much of the contest. This strong start was led by the fantastic freshman Sarah Strong, who is in contention for the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year. She would finish with a neat double-double, chipping in 23 points and 11 rebounds while going a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc.

UConn showcased exactly why they are a force to be reckoned with, not only in the BIG EAST but in the entire NCAA. They collectively shot a highly impressive 57% from the field and 52% from deep. Guards Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd contributed eight of the 15 three-pointers made. 

Bueckers, one of the best the BIG EAST has to offer, contributed 18 points and seven assists to the cause, further cementing her case for another BIG EAST Player of the Year selection.

The Pirates were heavily out of sync when facing the tough Huskies team, giving up five turnovers in the opening quarter of action. Many scoring droughts, along with a bad shooting percentage (23% FG, 14% 3FG), are what ultimately put the game out of reach for the Hall early. Seton Hall was unable to win the turnover battle (19-13) and the rebounding battle (30-46) and had much worse shooting percentages than UConn. One positive for the Hall was that they were able to go a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.

For the Pirates, Jada Eads was the lone bright spot, contributing 14 points and four rebounds in 34 minutes of play. The freshman continues her dominance that started when she received the starting nod a few months ago. Like Strong, Eads figures to be a favorite to win BIG EAST Freshman of the Year. Faith Masonius would also add in eight points for the Pirates with six rebounds and three assists. 

With this loss, the Huskies currently lead 60-10 all-time while also defeating the Pirates for a 40th consecutive matchup. Seton Hall’s last win against UConn will remain with their victory in Walsh Gymnasium in 1994.

The Pirates welcome another BIG EAST rival in the St. John’s Red Storm next Saturday afternoon. Be sure to tune into 89.5 FM at 1 p.m. to hear Pat Corsello and Jack Pine on the call. Pregame coverage will begin at 12:30, with analysis from Joe Morales and Brian Henderson.

Nick DiBlasi is an Assistant Social Media Director at WSOU 89.5 and can be reached at nicholas.diblasi@student.shu.edu. 

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