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big east hoops

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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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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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.

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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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UConn Survives Test at Georgetown

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Washington, D.C. — Third-ranked UConn survived a rugged road test Saturday afternoon, leaning on interior toughness, composure, and timely execution to escape with a 64–62 win over Georgetown and extend its winning streak to 14 games. The Huskies did not play their cleanest offensive game, but their physical edge, defensive discipline, and late-game poise reflected a group comfortable winning different types of games.

UConn set the tone immediately. The Huskies scored on their first three possessions, including a putback and a smooth turnaround hook from Tarris Reed Jr., forcing an early Georgetown timeout just 95 seconds into the game. Reed’s presence was felt right away. He established deep position early, finished through contact, and punished switches, scoring 11 points in the first five minutes while drawing early fouls on Georgetown’s frontcourt. His balance, touch, and willingness to play through traffic gave UConn a reliable interior anchor from the opening tip.

By the second timeout with just over 15 minutes left in the half, UConn had built a 12–4 lead. Georgetown struggled to generate clean looks, rushed shots at the rim, and lacked spacing as UConn’s defense shrunk the floor. Reed continued to control the paint, while the Huskies’ perimeter defenders disrupted ball movement and forced Georgetown into contested attempts late in the clock.

As the half progressed, Georgetown found more rhythm offensively, attacking gaps and playing with better pace, but UConn remained in control. At the 10-minute mark, the Huskies led 21–13, with Georgetown conceding perimeter looks in an effort to protect the lane. That adjustment allowed UConn’s guards to operate more freely, while Reed’s activity on the glass and ability to finish inside continued to stabilize the offense.

With 7:15 remaining before halftime, UConn extended the margin to 25–17. Rebounding was nearly even, but the Huskies’ efficiency and ability to convert second-chance opportunities created separation. Each time Georgetown threatened with a brief run, UConn responded, maintaining an eight-point cushion. Jayden Fort’s dunk just before the break capped a late Hoyas surge, trimming the deficit to 32–28 at halftime and giving the home crowd renewed energy.

That momentum carried over. Georgetown opened the second half on an 8–0 run, taking a 35–32 lead as UConn endured a scoring drought that stretched more than six minutes across halftime. The game settled into a physical, back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading stops and baskets. Georgetown briefly held a 45–43 edge with just over 11 minutes left before UConn steadied itself.

The Huskies regained the lead for good at the free-throw line. Braylon Mullins calmly knocked down two foul shots with 8:55 remaining, and Alex Karaban followed with a timely corner three to push the lead to 58–53. That sequence proved decisive. Silas Demary Jr. and Mullins provided needed support on the perimeter, spacing the floor and making Georgetown pay for collapsing too aggressively inside.

The final minute was tense. KJ Lewis cut the margin to three with 32.7 seconds left, but Georgetown couldn’t capitalize on its final chance when Lewis missed an open three. Mullins split a pair of free throws to extend the lead before Vince Iwuchukwu’s late dunk brought the Hoyas within two. UConn calmly inbounded the ball and ran out the clock.

Despite shooting a season-low 36.2 percent from the field, UConn committed only six turnovers and improved to 9–0 away from home. Reed finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the win with strength, touch, and consistency inside. Georgetown received strong interior play from Iwuchukwu and competitive guard play from Lewis, but UConn’s physicality, defensive execution, and composure in winning time proved just enough to close out a hard-fought 64–62 victory.


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

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Butler Gets Upset Win at Seton Hall

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – Entering Saturday afternoon’s matchup, the Butler Bulldogs were mired in a four-game losing streak and in dire need of a Big East victory to regain some momentum. They responded with a poised and disciplined performance. Led by the steady play of combo guard Finley Bizjack and efficient team free-throw shooting down the stretch, Butler was able to create just enough separation to hold off the Seton Hall Pirates, securing a 77–66 win. The victory provided a much-needed confidence boost for the Bulldogs as they looked to reset their season and reestablish themselves in conference play.

Junior guard Bizjack was outstanding today, finishing with a game-high 25 points as the Pirates struggled to find any answers for him. Bizjack was particularly effective playing off the ball, showing a strong feel for the game by orchestrating actions that consistently put him in position for clean, open looks, which he converted with confidence. He also displayed excellent poise when attacking the heart of Seton Hall’s defense, using well-timed pump fakes to get opposing bigs off their feet and drawing multiple fouls, which he capitalized on at the free-throw line. With the ball in his hands, Bizjack was equally impressive operating out of the pick-and-roll, showing the ability to make the right read by either hitting the roller or getting all the way to the rim himself.

Playing from behind has been a recurring theme for the Pirates all season, and it proved costly once again in this matchup. Seton Hall went into the break trailing by double digits and was forced to rely on a late comeback to try to steal a win. This time, however, Butler never let up, keeping consistent pressure on the Pirates and refusing to take their foot off the gas. For the first time this season, Seton Hall’s full-court pressure failed to significantly disrupt its opponent, and the difference was evident. Butler freshman guard Azavier Robinson was particularly composed against the press, advancing the ball quickly and efficiently while consistently avoiding the coffin corner—an area the Pirates typically target for traps, turnovers, and jump-ball situations.

During non-conference play, the Pirates’ top scorer AJ Staton-McCray averaged 14.2 points per game, but that production dropped sharply once Big East play began, as he entered the day averaging just 6.8 points per contest in conference action. In need of a confidence-boosting performance, Staton-McCray delivered signs of a turnaround in this one. He finished with 17 points and played with noticeably better pace and composure. On the opening possession, head coach Shaheen Holloway ran a perfectly designed set to get him attacking downhill; although the initial attempt missed, Staton-McCray stayed with the play, secured the offensive rebound, and converted the putback. From there, he consistently applied pressure at the rim, finishing through traffic and drawing fouls, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. For Seton Hall to find consistent scoring moving forward, getting Staton-McCray back to this level of play will be essential.

Saturday’s result offered a clear snapshot of where both programs currently stand. For Butler, the win served as a much-needed reset, showing the value of disciplined execution, strong guard play, and composure late in games as they snapped their skid and regained momentum in Big East play. The Bulldogs will look to build on that performance when they return home to host DePaul on Tuesday. For Seton Hall, the loss reinforced familiar challenges—slow starts and difficulty generating consistent offense against prepared opponents—but also provided encouraging signs from Staton-McCray. The Pirates will have little time to dwell on this one, as they head across the Hudson on Tuesday for a challenging road matchup at St. John’s, where addressing those early-game lapses will be critical.

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 Destroys Marquette

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – St. John’s came into last night’s matchup vs Marquette winners of their last two games both on the road against Big East rivals. They were now back at home in the mecca to host yet another Big East foe in the Golden Eagles who have been struggling this season and were desperate for a pivotal win. St. John’s had a hold on this game early grabbing a 15-4 lead in the first four minutes. Marquette would answer back to close out the half keeping the game within striking distance down 40-34. The Red Storm got great production from Oziyah Sellers who had 15 of his game high 24 points and also some great energy off the bench from Dylan Darling as well. As for Marquette they struggled with taking care of the ball, but the play of guards Chase Ross and Nigel James Jr kept them alive with 24 of their 34 total points. 

As for the second half it would not go well for the Golden Eagles in the slightest. Zuby Ejiofor who dealt with foul trouble in the first half would go on to explode in the second half. He scored 15 points to finish the night with 22 total and his energy along with his physicality was too much for the Marquette bigs to handle. The tandem of Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins destroyed the Golden Eagles in the second half with Hopkins having 10 points and 8 rebounds in the half alone. Marquette struggled on the glass and would continue to allow St. John’s to capitalize off of their careless turnovers. This would lead to the Red Storm dominating the second half and pulling away to a 92-68 victory, giving them their third straight win and moving them to 5-1 in conference play. 

St. John’s got great individual performances in this one but the two standouts to me were Oziyah Sellers and Zuby Ejiofor. Obviously Zuby is the head of the snake for this team but he continues to show potential as an NBA prospect. He plays with great energy on every possession and the physicality he displays is a problem for opponents every time he’s on the floor. Zuby is their offensive hub but he also does the dirty work at a high level. I believe Ejiofor is a consistent three point shot away from being a potential rotation level player at the next level despite being somewhat of an undersized big. Sellers also showed that he is going to be a huge part of St. John’s success this season. He showcased the ability to play on or off the ball and when his shot is falling he can mix his game up and attack closeouts or get to the rim.  

For the Golden Eagles I was extremely impressed by their backcourt duo of Chase Ross and Nigel James Jr. They were dynamic with their ability to get into the paint and finish around the rim. Their athleticism really stood out. Both can move well with a certain shiftiness that makes them hard to guard in a spaced out floor. James Jr. might be the better perimeter threat compared to Ross but they both are obviously the leading engines in Marquette’s offense. As for the defensive side they played with good energy and were active for the majority of the night. Ross was very good with going after guys from their blindside and generating some easy buckets off turnovers. I came out of that game thinking highly of both Ross and James Jr and I’m going to keep my eye on James Jr as his freshman campaign continues to be impressive.

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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Dramatic Comeback Gets Seton Hall Past Creighton

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – With 15 minutes remaining, the Seton Hall Pirates trailed Greg McDermott’s Creighton squad by 16 points, but from that moment on, the game belonged to the Pirates. Head coach Shaheen Holloway cranked up the defensive intensity in an effort to ignite the offense, and the adjustment paid off. Seton Hall stormed back to complete a hard-fought 56–54 victory, capped by a dramatic finish in which freshman big man Najai Hines secured an offensive rebound and converted the go-ahead basket with one second remaining, drawing the foul in the process.

The calling card for the Pirates all season has been their tenacious defense, and it was on full display this afternoon. Adam “Budd” Clark’s on-ball defense stood out in particular, as he consistently stayed in front of his assignment despite navigating through multiple hard screens on each possession. His relentless pressure paid off whenever ball handlers let their guard down, as Clark was quick to strip the ball away, finishing with four steals. TJ Simpkins was another key defensive presence, doing an excellent job containing his man and forcing difficult shots. Simpkins’ impact showed up across the stat sheet as well, as he recorded two steals and two blocks to help anchor the Pirates’ defensive effort.

One of the few bright spots for Creighton in today’s loss was Miami transfer Austin Swartz, who has been on an impressive run. Swartz continued to establish himself as the Bluejays’ most reliable shot-maker, showing poise with the ball and advanced shot-creation ability. He knocked down several tough, contested three-pointers and finished with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Through four Big East games, Swartz is averaging 18.5 points per game while shooting an outstanding 46% from three on 37 attempts. It will be worth watching whether he can sustain this level of play as conference competition continues.

The Pirates’ scoring was well balanced this afternoon, a product of strong ball movement and consistently finding the open man. Seton Hall recorded 11 assists on 19 made field goals, highlighting their unselfish offensive approach. Elijah Fisher led the way with 10 points. NC State transfer Trey Parker added nine points and has flashed real potential when sharing the floor with Budd Clark, a pairing Coach Shaheen Holloway has leaned on at times.

Four additional Pirates finished with eight points apiece—Clark, AJ Staton-McCray, Najai Hines, and Josh Rivera—further illustrating the team’s depth. Dating back to Holloway’s Elite Eight run with Saint Peter’s, his teams have thrived by playing 10 deep with little drop-off, and that identity is beginning to take shape in South Orange. Down the stretch, Clark was the only starter on the floor, surrounded by rotational pieces Parker, TJ Simpkins, Rivera, and Hines, a group that played with relentless energy and was rewarded with the win.

Ultimately, Seton Hall’s comeback victory served as a testament to its defensive identity, depth, and resilience under Shaheen Holloway. The Pirates leaned on relentless pressure, timely contributions from their rotation, and poise in the game’s biggest moments to erase a 16-point deficit and secure a statement Big East win. As conference play continues, Seton Hall will look to carry this momentum on the road when it travels to Georgetown on Saturday, while Creighton will aim to regroup and respond as it heads to Villanova on Wednesday in search of a bounce-back performance.

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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Villanova Tops Seton Hall in Willard’s Return

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – In Kevin Willard’s return home to South Orange, his Villanova Wildcats earned a hard fought 64-56 victory that, despite the final score, was rarely in doubt. Villanova controlled the tempo from start to finish, leaning on its backcourt to dictate the flow of the game. The Wildcats’ guards consistently got to their spots, creating quality looks and breaking down a Seton Hall defense that entered the matchup as the best in the Big East. While the Pirates showed flashes of resistance, Villanova’s poise and execution proved decisive, allowing the Wildcats to maintain control and close out a convincing road win.

The difference-maker in tonight’s game was freshman Acaden Lewis. The former top-50 recruit delivered a stellar performance, consistently knocking down tough, contested shorts. As the game wore on and Lewis became the primary focus of the Pirates’ defensive game plan, he adjusted seamlessly – creating dribble penetration and, when the defense collapsed, he used his excellent court vision to find open Wildcat shooters on the perimeter. On the defensive end, Lewis allowed nothing easy. While he finished with three steals, his impact went well beyond the box score. He denied Pirate guards access to their preferred sports, forced them into difficult, contested looks, and helped initiate transition opportunities by quickly getting the ball back into his hands after defensive rebounds. Lewis finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was a complete two-way presence tonight and performances like this make him the clear frontrunner for Big East Freshman of the Year.

The key factor entering this matchup for Villanova was how its perimeter shooting would hold up against the Pirates’ defense, and the Wildcats delivered. More than 50% of Villanova’s shots came from beyond the arc, where they connected at an impressive 43% clip. James Madison transfer Bryce Lindsay knocked down three triples, while Lewis and fellow freshman Matt Hodge each added two. The reliance on the three-point shot was not unique to this game, but rather a reflection of Villanova’s season long identity, as 47% of the Wildcats’ total shot attempts this year have come from deep. How that approach translates over the grind of Big East play will be worth monitoring, because on nights when the perimeter shots aren’t falling, Villanova risks allowing games to slip out of reach quickly.

For the Pirates they will look to use this game as a learning experience. The heart of their team in point guard Adam “Budd” Clark found a seat on the bench early as he picked up his second foul in the first two minutes and the team was all out of sorts from that point forward. The team never found in rhythm looks and often found themselves deep into the shot clock and were forced to heave bad looks to avoid the violation. If there was any bright spot in this game it came from Fordham transfer Josh Rivera. Rivera never stopped fighting until the final whistle and that is what earns you minutes when playing for Shaheen Holloway. He finished the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 15 minutes of game action.

Ultimately, this matchup highlighted Villanova’s poise, perimeter shooting, and guard play, while exposing areas of growth for a young Seton Hall group still searching for consistency on the offense end of the floor. The Wildcats will look to build on this performance as they return home for a New Year’s Eve matchup against Depaul. Meanwhile, the Pirates will aim to respond and apply the lessons learned when they hit the road for another test at Marquette on Tuesday, a game that will require sharper execution, discipline, and composure from the opening tip.

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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