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St. John’s Tops Xavier in Overtime

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Coming off a monster win vs UConn, the #17 St. John’s Red Storm came into Monday night looking for their 10th win a row in a matchup vs. the Xavier Musketeers. Xavier would not make it easy for the Johnnies as this one was tight in the first half. The Musketeers shot the ball extremely well despite getting a low scoring half from leading scorer Tre Carroll who only had four points. For the Red Storm they got a solid half from Zuby Ejiofor and a great half from Dylan Darling who had 10 points and continues to give great minutes during this winning streak. It would be a back-and-forth half between these two conference foes that would end up resulting in a tie game at 42 heading into the locker room. 

The Musketeers would not go away in the second half as they continued to make life difficult for St. John’s on their home floor. Tre Carroll came alive as he scored 17 of his 21  points in this half. Xavier would go on to have five players in double figures in a well balanced offensive performance. The Red Storm had answers for Xavier throughout the half though as the trio of Ejiofor, Hopkins, and Darling continued to give them much needed performances. Xavier had St. John’s on the ropes with seconds left on the clock but a big time tip in by Oziyah Sellers would send this game into overtime.  St. John’s would then take advantage of the excessive fouling that occurred all night from Xavier and walk off the floor victorious with a final score of 87-82. The Red Storm improved to 19-5 on the season and 12-1 in conference play while also grabbing their 10th consecutive win, continuing to be one of college basketball’s hottest teams.

St. John’s got the usual dominance from Zuby Ejiofor and a great game from Bryce Hopkins but I think it’s time for Dylan Darling to receive his flowers. Darling has been pivotal for the Red Storm throughout this winning streak as he’s made big shots and made huge plays on both sides of the floor. Darling is a player that any team would like to have because of his high motor and the ball pressure he brings once he checks in the game. On the offensive end he’s a stable option out of Rick Pitino’s guard rotation, he can maintain the offense and also has the ability to make some key shots if he’s needed to as well. Personally, Darling has become my favorite guy on this St. John’s roster due to how hard he competes and how he can flip a game despite being one of shorter guys on the floor. 

As for Xavier, they had impressive showings up and down the roster but Carroll was huge in the second half to keep them in it. Carroll is a big but he has some finesse in his game that’s pleasant to watch. He’s able to break a defender down at times and get to his spots for these soft floaters near the basket. Although it can get a bit ugly sometimes especially when there’s more athletic defenders on him, he is capable of taking and making tough shots. Carroll is a versatile player for this Xavier team and is definitely a fun watch when he’s got it going like he did in that second half on Monday night against some tough St. John’s defenders in their frontcourt.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Gonzaga Pulls Away from Oregon State Led by Ike

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Corvallis, OR –  Coming off a surprising loss at Portland, No. 7-rated Gonzaga came on in the second half and pulled away to an 81-61 victory at Oregon State. The Beavers had no answer for Gonzaga’s 6’9 center Graham Ike. The Bulldogs continually fed Ike inside as he  matched his career-high with 35 points and added seven rebounds to lead Gonzaga to the win before a season-high 7.865 fans in Gill Coliseum.

Ike was 13-for-18 from the field and got to the foul line nine times, converting eight. The Zags’ point guards Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supery combined for only seven points but had 11 assists against only one turnover. Gonzaga registered a total of 20 assists against only two turnovers for the game. That matched a record turnover low for any road game that Gonzaga has ever played.

Tyon Grant-Foster was active throughout the contest for the Zags, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Grant-Foster adds athleticism on the wing and helps inside in the absence of 6-10 Braden Huff who is out with a knee injury. Freshman Davis Fogle added eight second half points with five rebounds and showed athleticism and toughness. He’ll be someone to watch moving forward. Fogle’s dunk put the Zags up by ten points (60-50) midway through the second half and they pulled away from there. Isaiah Sy, from France, led the Beavers with 13 points, hitting 3-of-5 from deep. Dez White added 12 points and six assists against only one turnover.

The first half was close, with Gonzaga taking a four-point (38-34) halftime lead. The game was tight until midway through the second half when Gonzaga pulled away. The Zags dominated inside with Ike and Grant-Foster having their way against the Beavers’ bigs. Gonzaga finished the game with a 50-10 advantage in points in the paint and a 30-21 rebounding advantage.

Oregon State is now an even 13-13 on the season and 6-7 in West Coast Conference play. Gonzaga moves to 23-2 overall and 11-1 in the WCC.  Oregon State will now hit the road next week to take on San Francisco and Seattle. Gonzaga heads home to face Washington State on Tuesday night.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. Peter’s Gets Past Siena in MAAC Play

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Jersey City, NJ – Jersey City played host to a hard-nosed MAAC showdown as two of the conference’s top teams, St. Peter’s and Siena, went head-to-head in a physical battle. The Peacocks successfully defended their home court, securing a 70–65 victory in a game they largely controlled from start to finish. While Siena kept things competitive late, St. Peter’s maintained its composure to close out a win that underscored its toughness and poise in conference play.

Sophomore Bryce Eaton led the way for the Peacocks with a game-high 22 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-14 from the floor and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. The point guard demonstrated strong command of the offense throughout the game, showing patience and composure as he navigated through ball screens and consistently made the right read. Eaton did an excellent job of keeping the defense off balance, whether that meant delivering the ball to open teammates or attacking gaps himself. When scoring opportunities arose, he used ball screens effectively to create separation in the midrange, knocking down those looks with impressive efficiency. His ability to both facilitate and score proved pivotal in setting the tone and pace for the Peacocks’ offensive attack.

Despite the loss, Siena freshman forward Francis Folefac was a consistent problem for the Peacocks’ frontcourt. The 6-foot-7 forward, built like a linebacker, used his strength to back down defenders and convert tough finishes around the rim. He finished the night with 16 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting performance. The stat that truly jumped off the page, however, was Folefac’s seven assists. Operating from the high post against St. Peter’s zone defense, he repeatedly flashed to the free-throw line and made quick, decisive reads. When the zone collapsed on him, Folefac consistently found open teammates, creating high-percentage scoring opportunities that kept Siena within striking distance.

The win not only capped off a strong home performance for St. Peter’s but also carried added significance, as the Peacocks officially punched their ticket to the MAAC Tournament. By controlling the game’s physicality and executing when it mattered most, St. Peter’s continued to show why it remains a formidable force within the conference. As postseason play approaches, performances like this reinforce the Peacocks’ identity as a disciplined, tough-minded group capable of winning in multiple ways, while Siena can take positives from its competitive effort and the continued emergence of young contributors moving forward.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. John’s Gets Key Win Over UConn

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Two of the Big East’s finest met for a battle in the mecca with #3 UConn coming down to face the surging #22 St. John’s Red Storm. The game was very back and forth with both teams playing with great energy and trying to execute their style of play. St. John’s would struggle to be efficient but UConn had issues of their own with taking care of the ball and continuing to send the Johnnies to the charity stripe. Both teams had an extremely balanced box score in the first half leading to a tie at 39 between two of the hottest teams in all of college basketball. 

As the second half began, UConn would continue to have struggles against St. John’s intensity on the defensive end and their physicality on the offensive end. The Huskies had 15 turnovers on the night, Silas Demary Jr. had nine of those turnovers. St. John’s scored 20 points off those UConn turnovers and they did a great job of just pressuring ball handlers all night long. No one was more emblematic of this than Dylan Darling who was just a pest and completely shifted the game in St. John’s favor as soon as he checked in. Although we can’t overlook the usual dominance from the Red Storm frontcourt trio of Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins combining for 50 of the 81 total team points.

Ejiofor continues to impress and show versatility as he had a near triple-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Huskies would make small pushes throughout the half even cutting the St. John’s lead down to one. However, they would not be able to finish the job as St. John’s would take down UConn 81-72 ending the Huskies 18-game winning streak and extending their own winning streak to 9. 

St. John’s had a bunch of standout performances but it’s hard to dismiss Ejiofor’s two way impact and how he continues to impress every single game. Obviously everyone knows he has the motor, the physicality, and lives in the paint but his ability to read defenses is something to behold. He’s very good at seeing the back line of the defense when he gets the ball at the free throw line extended. Especially since opposing defenses are so keyed in on him as a finisher at the rim this leads to him showing off his playmaking, finding guys like Mitchell and Hopkins for easy points. Ejiofor’s performances are becoming inevitable night in and night out. At this trajectory he’s on his way to being recognized as one of the best players to ever put on a St. John’s uniform and having that #24 in the rafters one day. 

Though the Huskies didn’t get the result they wanted as a team several of their players had some solid individual performances. Alex Karaban is a true veteran for this UConn team and he showed it last night in a big game vs. a conference rival. Karaban finished the night with 17 points and is just so good as an off ball offensive threat. He leverages his shooting ability at such a high level and isn’t afraid to take the big shots when the team needs it. The range he has is also something you want to see if you are looking at him as an NBA prospect, he can let it fly from distance and on the move as well. Karaban may not be a high level athlete but he is capable of beating his defender on closeouts and getting to the rim for some nice finishes also. Defensively there can be some question marks due to his lack of overall athleticism and foot speed but he has the body to be serviceable on that end of the floor. It will definitely be interesting watching how the rest of his senior year plays out to determine if he will be able to get his third national title in four years.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Iowa’s Stirtz Drops Career-High 32 Points to Take Down Oregon

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR — The Oregon Ducks squared off against the visiting Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big Ten clash Sunday evening, with the two teams heading in opposite directions in the race for an NCAA Tournament bid. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game- and career-high 32 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting night to lead the Hawkeyes past the Ducks, 84–66, at Matthew Knight Arena in front of 5,807 fans.

The opening half featured consistent shooting from both sides, as the team’s traded baskets and saw several lead changes. Oregon guard Takai Simpkins returned to action after missing the previous game with an ankle injury, and the injury appeared to be a non-factor. Simpkins led the Ducks with 10 first-half points and finished with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting, along with four rebounds and four assists. A Simpkins lay-in gave Oregon a 17–15 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the first half — the Ducks’ final lead of the game.

Iowa responded with a decisive 13–2 run, fueled by interior scoring from 6-foot-10 junior Alvaro Folgueiras, to build its largest first-half lead at 11 points with just under four minutes remaining. The Hawkeyes dominated the paint early, holding an 18–8 advantage in the first half and finishing with a commanding 44–26 edge for the game. Folgueiras scored eight points before the break on 4-of-6 shooting and ended the night with 15 points (6-of-9 FG) and eight rebounds.

Oregon opened the second half with renewed aggression, as Kwame Evans Jr. attacked the basket for a quick layup and followed it up by drawing a foul on the next possession. The Ducks cut the deficit to five in the opening minutes behind Evans Jr.’s effort. The 6-foot-10 junior, coming off a 24-point performance in his previous outing, posted 18 points (6-of-14 FG), with most coming in the second half. While he struggled from beyond the arc (1-of-7 from three), Evans Jr. added three rebounds and three assists. Dezdrick Lindsay chipped in 10 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting night, but Oregon received limited production elsewhere.

Stirtz took full control after halftime, orchestrating the offense as Iowa’s primary ball handler and scorer. The 6-foot-4 senior was surgical offensively, finishing with 32 points on just 15 shot attempts. Iowa committed only five turnovers all game, with Stirtz recording seven assists and zero turnovers. Beyond the box score, he consistently made smart backdoor cuts and simplified the game for his teammates, showcasing his high basketball IQ.  Stirtz is currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with the potential to climb into the lottery with a strong finish to the season.

Iowa also received double-digit scoring from Cooper Koch and Brendan Hausen, giving the Hawkeyes four players in double figures. Koch finished with 10 points (4-of-7 FG), three rebounds, two steals, and two assists, while Hausen added 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting. As a team, Iowa shot an impressive 59 percent from the field (33-of-56 FG) and clamped down defensively, holding Oregon to just 20 percent shooting from three-point range (5-of-25). The loss marks Oregon’s eighth straight defeat.

Oregon (8–14, 1–10 Big Ten) travels east to face preseason No. 1 Purdue (18–4, 8–3) on Saturday, February 7. Iowa (16–5, 6–4) continues its road trip against Washington (12–10, 4–7) on February 4.

This article was written by Chad Mart, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Strong Second Half Propels Seton Hall Past Marquette

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – Coming off an impressive come-from-behind win against Xavier, Seton Hall looked to carry that momentum into their matchup with Marquette. However, they once again stumbled out of the gate, facing an eight-point deficit at halftime. The Pirates responded with a dominant defensive effort in the second half, holding Marquette to just 23 points. That surge fueled a 69–64 victory, led by strong point guard play from Budd Clark.

Over the past two games, Clark has fully embraced the role of the “IT factor” for this Pirates team, and he delivered once again. He finished with 19 points and six assists while committing just one turnover, numbers that only begin to capture how impressive his ball-handling was throughout the game. Coach Holloway ran a variety of actions designed to get Clark to his preferred spots, and he capitalized, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor. Beyond scoring, Clark effectively facilitated the offense, consistently creating high-quality looks for his teammates. His ball security stood out as well. For the Pirates to remain in NCAA Tournament bubble contention, Clark will need to continue providing steady production on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles showcased a special talent at point guard in Nigel James Jr. The freshman from New York has fully embraced his role and continues to impress. James finished with 16 points, consistently getting into the paint and finishing through traffic. He showed no hesitation rising up over the Pirates’ bigs and converting at the rim. From beyond the arc, James was a perfect 2-for-2, knocking down the limited open looks that Seton Hall allowed. The lone blemish on his performance came in the turnover department, as the Pirates forced him into six turnovers. Once James penetrated, Seton Hall’s bigs collapsed effectively, leading to errant passes—several of which sailed out of bounds.

Playing from behind once again defined this Pirates squad, but it was their defensive intensity in the second half that ultimately turned the game in their favor. After a sluggish opening half, Seton Hall locked in defensively, forcing a total of 16 turnovers and denying Marquette any easy scoring opportunities. The Golden Eagles struggled mightily to find rhythm after the break, as Seton Hall’s pressure disrupted passing lanes and sped up their decision-making. Poor ball security and a series of poor passes proved costly for Marquette, especially once the Pirates’ defense began collapsing into the paint and rotating with purpose. Clark, Elijah Fisher, and T.J. Simpkins each recorded two steals, consistently jumping passing lanes and creating transition opportunities. The interior defense was just as impactful, with Stephon Payne and Najai Hines combining for six blocks, effectively deterring drives and altering shots at the rim. That collective defensive effort not only fueled the Pirates’ comeback but also set the tone for the remainder of the game, showcasing a team that thrives on grit, physicality, and defensive execution when it matters most.

This performance highlighted Seton Hall’s growing comfort in close, grind-it-out games, particularly when defensive stops become the priority. The Pirates’ ability to flip the script after halftime continues to define their recent stretch and underscores the importance of sustaining that edge against quality opponents. Seton Hall will have little time to celebrate as it heads to Villanova on Wednesday for another pivotal conference matchup. Marquette will look to recalibrate and address its ball security issues before returning home next Saturday to face Butler, a game that presents an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to respond and regain momentum.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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UCLA Overpowers Short-Handed Oregon in Win

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR — The Oregon Ducks hosted the UCLA Bruins in a Big Ten showdown with UCLA looking to solidify its spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Bruins outmanned a depleted Ducks roster, led by their starting trio of Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr., and Tyler Bilodeau. The three combined to score 47 of UCLA’s 73 points as the Bruins jumped out early and never looked back, earning a 73–57 victory at Matthew Knight Arena in front of 5,721 fans.

Oregon was without three of its top four scorers due to injuries, and it showed throughout the game. After scoring on their opening possession, the Ducks went nearly six minutes without a basket as UCLA built an early 8–2 lead. While the teams traded baskets for a stretch, Kwame Evans Jr. knocked down two three-pointers in quick succession to help the Bruins gain momentum.

Evans Jr., who has appeared on NBA mock drafts throughout his career, delivered one of the strongest performances of his season. He was aggressive attacking the rim and crashing the offensive glass, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots.

UCLA’s size and strength were evident early in the first half. Eric Dailey Jr. pushed the Bruins’ lead to 30–16 with a driving layup, and UCLA carried that same 14-point advantage into halftime at 36–22. Dailey Jr. recorded a double-double with 14 points (5-of-13 FG) and 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive end. While UCLA narrowly edged Oregon on the glass, 40–36, the biggest disparity came in second-chance points, where the Bruins dominated 19–5.

The Bruins maintained control throughout the second half, continuing to exploit their advantage against the undermanned Ducks. Dent, who opened the game 0-for-5 from the field, found his rhythm after halftime. He sparked a fast break with a steal and score, then followed it up by leading another break and throwing an alley-oop to Dailey Jr. for a slam. Dent finished with 15 points (6-of-17 FG) and four assists against just one turnover, consistently attacking Oregon’s weaker perimeter defenders.

Oregon briefly cut the deficit to 10 points around the 13-minute mark after an 8–0 run that began with Evans Jr. completing a three-point play. That was as close as the Ducks would get. Head coach Dana Altman experimented with multiple lineups in search of a spark, but the talent gap created by injuries proved difficult to overcome.

Jamari Phillips provided a bright spot for Oregon, knocking down three three-pointers for nine points (3-of-10 from deep). UCLA’s leading scorer on the season, Bilodeau (18.2 PPG), closed out the game with poise, displaying soft touch around the basket and repeatedly getting to the free-throw line. He finished with an efficient 18 points (4-of-9 FG), shooting 9-of-11 from the stripe, while adding seven rebounds to push Oregon’s losing streak to seven games.

Oregon (8–13, 1–9 Big Ten) remains at home to close out the week against Iowa (15–5, 5–4) on Sunday, February 1. UCLA (15–6, 7–3) returns home to host Indiana (14–7, 5–5) on January 31.

This article was written by Chad Mart, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

St. John’s Continues Surge, Easily Defeats Butler

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – St. John’s headed into Wednesday night’s matchup vs Butler at MSG winners of their last six games and ranked in the AP top 25 for the first time in five weeks. As it turned out, they would continue their recent dominance in this showdown against the Bulldogs as well. The first half of this one was all Johnnies as they led the entire half and shut Butler down, allowing only 29 points on 35% shooting. St. John’s would also get solid all-around production offensively led by Dillon Mitchell (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Ian Jackson. The Red Storm dominated in the paint which is where they scored 26 of their 43 first half points, they would also shoot 41% from beyond the arc as well. This would lead to St. John’s taking a 14- point lead heading into halftime.

The offensive brilliance would continue in the second half for St. John’s as they would go on to score 49 points on even better efficiency. They ended up with four players in double figures. Even though the frontcourt duo of Ejiofor and Mitchell had great games, it was good to see Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon combine for 31 points and shoot the ball well. St. John’s has had up and down guard play all season but getting some consistency especially from Jackson could be huge at this point in the season. Butler struggled with the size and physicality of St. John’s frontcourt. When you mix that in with the Red Storm’s red hot perimeter shooting it made for a rough night for the Bulldogs. St. John’s extended their winning streak to seven and went to 9-1 in conference play with their 92-70 win.

The play of Jackson was exciting to see as he showcased the potential he brings to the table when he’s going the right way. Jackson was St. John’s leading scorer last night with 18 points and the shotmaking was on full display. He has the ability to be crafty at the rim and his athleticism really stands out when he’s on the attack downhill. Jackson is quick and shifty as a ball handler and can get to his shots. Though as a jumpshooter he can be streaky, when his jumper is falling he’s a tough cover for anyone because of the fact it opens up the floor. Jackson can also be very spotty with his decision making but he was brought to this team to do what he’s done in his last two games vs. Butler and Xavier. 

As for Butler, Michael Ajayi (19 points, 11 rebounds) was one of the only bright spots last night. Ajayi is a swiss army knife type of player for this Butler team. He provides ball handling, gets rim touches, and is great on the glass. Ajayi may not be a respectable jumpshooter but he was always on the attack and able to get to the line a bunch as well. I also really enjoyed the motor he played with especially in a game where it’s physical and the opposing team has the advantage in that area.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Seton Hall Erupts in Second Half to Top Xavier

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – With their season teetering after a lifeless loss to DePaul, the Seton Hall Pirates entered Wednesday night knowing there was no margin for error against Xavier. What followed in the first half only heightened the sense of urgency. Florida Atlantic transfer Tre Carroll carved up the Pirates at every level, slicing into the paint and burying shots from deep, as Seton Hall had no answers. The Pirates stumbled into the locker room down 11. Then came the response.

Seton Hall erupted out of halftime, flipping the game on its head with a stunning 23–3 run. The Pirates turned up the defensive pressure, forced Xavier into mistake after mistake, and completely overwhelmed a retooled Musketeers squad that suddenly looked lost. The run ignited the Prudential Center and shifted all momentum, and from there, Seton Hall never relented. The Pirates pulled away with authority, securing an emphatic 86–68 win.

The difference-maker in Wednesday night’s win was Elon transfer TJ Simpkins, who delivered a dominant, all-around performance. Simpkins looked a step above the competition, asserting himself on both ends of the floor and proving nearly impossible to contain. He poured in a game-high 27 points and was the Pirates’ lone threat from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 8 three-point attempts.

While his offensive output marked one of the most impressive performances by a Pirate this season, Simpkins’ impact extended well beyond scoring. Defensively, he consistently put Xavier’s ball handlers in uncomfortable positions, forcing rushed decisions that often resulted in turnovers. Though much of his defensive presence didn’t fully show up in the box score, Simpkins still finished with two steals and a block, further cementing himself as a vital two-way presence for this Seton Hall squad.

Despite the loss, it cannot be overstated how impactful senior transfer Tre Carroll is for this Xavier team. Seton Hall’s disruptive defense had no answers for him in the first half, as Carroll consistently generated clean looks and controlled the offensive flow. He finished with 22 points on efficient shooting, going 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

That said, Carroll’s night was cut short by early foul trouble in the second half, which limited his minutes and significantly lowered Xavier’s offensive ceiling. With so much of the Musketeers’ offense running through him, his absence on the floor was felt immediately and proved costly as the game slipped away.

Playing alongside Simpkins’ unforgettable performance was the steady brilliance of the Pirates’ lead guard, Adam “Budd” Clark. Clark asserted himself early and often, consistently exploiting mismatches as Xavier struggled to meaningfully contest his shots. That freedom allowed him to get to his bread-and-butter midrange game—looks that are essentially automatic for the junior point guard.

Clark turned in his best scoring performance as a Pirate, finishing with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Despite his size, Clark plays much bigger than his frame, fearlessly elevating among the bigs to secure rebounds and immediately ignite the transition offense, which led to several key baskets.

Seton Hall’s success continues to hinge on Clark’s ability to control the game, and performances like display just how far he may be able to carry this group moving forward.

With TJ Simpkins and Clark combining for 51 of the Pirates’ 86 points, it would be easy to assume there wasn’t much production behind them—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Senior transfer Jacob Dar provided the exact spark Seton Hall needed. The 6-foot-7 forward, armed with a tremendous wingspan, was a constant presence all over the floor. Dar capitalized on second-chance opportunities, consistently made himself available as a pressure-release outlet, and converted when it mattered most. He finished with 10 crucial points and five rebounds.

Joining Dar in double figures was AJ Staton-McCray, who continues to work his way back toward his non-conference form. The senior guard showed he is far more than a perimeter shooter, repeatedly attacking the paint and converting high-percentage looks after slicing through the defense. Staton-McCray also made his impact felt defensively, finishing with four steals and two blocks. If he can sustain this level of play, he could be a key factor for the Pirates as Big East play rolls on.

The emphatic win gives Seton Hall a much-needed jolt of momentum as the Pirates continue to fight to keep their season alive. With renewed confidence and energy on both ends of the floor, Seton Hall will look to carry this performance into Saturday’s home matchup against Marquette, a game that could further shape their standing in the Big East race. For Xavier, the focus now shifts to regrouping and responding, as the Musketeers return home Saturday to take on DePaul in a matchup that will test their resilience after letting this one slip away.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

St. John’s Late Comeback Topples Seton Hall

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY- Last night in the mecca we had a big-time matchup between two well matched Big East rivals in St. John’s and Seton Hall and the game lived up to the hype. Seton Hall came out in the first half and caused pure chaos on the floor. They were just outworking the Johnnies and playing high level defense all half. The Pirates got good offensive production from the duo of Staton-McCray and Simpkins who had 22 of 38 Seton Hall points. The standout player in the first half though was Stephon Payne II as he was dominant with a near double-double of 9 points and 8 rebounds. St. John’s had trouble all half offensively but what kept them in the game was the play of Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Zuby Ejiofor who had 24 of their 32 total points. Seton Hall would go into the locker room leading 38-32 and the score was much closer than it actually felt watching it play out on the floor.

When the second half began Seton Hall would go on to continue their physical and defensive dominance going on a 9-0 run to start the half. The Pirates held the Red Storm scoreless for the first 4:30 of the half and took a 47-32 lead. Unfortunately for Seton Hall that was the end of what was a fun night for them up to this point. St. John’s would go on a huge 33-13 run to close the game out all with their leader Zuby Ejiofor being off the floor with foul trouble. The Red Storm dominated the glass and clamped down the Pirates flipping the script in big time fashion. Mitchell would finish the night with a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with his game high 17 points. Meanwhile an underrated aspect of this half would be the two-way impact of Dylan Darling. His ball pressure was elite on Seton Hall’s guards and he did a great job keeping the team steady offensively while also scoring some key buckets. St. John’s would complete the comeback over Seton Hall with a 65-60 final score to win their fifth straight game and improve to 7-1 in conference play.

Dillon Mitchell may not be the first name you think of when it comes to this Red Storm team but he’s a big piece that was added to this roster over the summer and last night showed you why. Mitchell can be a two-way force at times and plays with a physicality that is fun to watch. Offensively he is a very good finisher around the rim and can finish with both force or finesse depending on what’s needed. Mitchell is also a legitimate transition threat. He can grab a rebound and go coast to coast with good ball handling out of the forward spot and finish at the basket. He does needs to improve on his perimeter shooting and also develop more consistency going to the right side of the floor though. Defensively he can move well and provides versatility with his defensive impact. Mitchell will also hit the glass and be a force to deal with for opposing matchups with his high motor. 

Although Seton Hall got higher point scoring games out of A.J Staton-McCray and Taijuan Simpkins I thought the most impactful Pirate tonight was easily Stephon Payne II. Payne was solid on both ends of the floor. He provided toughness in this game and was super active on the boards while giving them some much needed rim protection as well. On the offensive end his rebounding continued to be a key as he grabbed 8 offensive rebounds vs a tough St. John’s frontcourt. Much of those rebounds led to second chance points from Payne. He played with great energy and was the main reason for Seton Hall’s great start to this game.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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