Newark, N.J. — Freshman forward Najai Hines introduced himself to the Seton Hall faithful in a big way Monday night, scoring 12 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and earning chants of “Baby Shaq” from the Prudential Center crowd as the Pirates rolled past Saint Peter’s, 77–50, in the season opener for both teams.
Stephon Payne III added 11 points in just 18 minutes off the bench, while Tajuan Simpkins chipped in 10. Seton Hall overpowered the Peacocks on the blocks, finishing with six dunks and an impressive 30-of-36 performance at the free-throw line.
Saint Peter’s struggled to generate offense, shooting just 27.5% from the field, and never regained the lead after scoring the opening basket. TJ Robinson was the lone Peacock to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points.
Hines, a highly touted recruit who finished his prep career in New Jersey, didn’t start but made an immediate impact after checking in following the first media timeout. The 6-foot-9 freshman electrified the crowd with his rim protection, blocking four shots in the first half and finishing with six overall.
Saint Peter’s stayed close early behind Robinson, whose step-back three-pointer cut the deficit to 22–19 midway through the first half. But the Pirates quickly responded with an 8–1 run, capped by a Payne III dunk, to regain control.
Seton Hall extended its lead to 41–28 at halftime, punctuated by an Adam Clark three-pointer in the closing minute. Any hopes of a Saint Peter’s comeback vanished early in the second half as the Pirates opened with a 6–0 burst, including two quick baskets from Payne III, pushing the lead to double digits for good.
The advantage ballooned to as many as 36 points, fueled by Seton Hall’s relentless full-court pressure that forced nine first-half turnovers.
The 77-point effort was a notable offensive showing for the Pirates, who scored 75 or more points only four times last season. The victory also snapped a seven-game losing streak dating back to the end of the previous campaign.
Both programs entered the night with heavily revamped rosters following disappointing seasons — Seton Hall featuring 11 newcomers, and Saint Peter’s debuting six new faces.
For Seton Hall fans, however, the night belonged to Hines — and if the crowd’s chants were any indication, they may already have found their new fan favorite.
