Newark, NJ – In a dramatic Big East clash, the Seton Hall Pirates ended their five-game losing streak with a hard-fought 85-80 overtime victory over the DePaul Blue Demons at the Prudential Center. Fueled by standout performances from Isiah Coleman and Dylan Addae-Wusu, the Pirates delivered in crunch time, outlasting DePaul in an electrifying showdown.
Coleman led the charge with 24 points and five assists, while Addae-Wusu matched his scoring output with 24 points and added seven assists of his own. Seton Hall’s ability to dominate inside, tallying 32 points in the paint, proved to be the deciding factor in a tightly contested game.
DePaul’s Hot Start:
DePaul came out firing, quickly establishing control in the first half. The Blue Demons shot an impressive 50% (14-of-28) from the field and connected on 37% (7-of-19) of their three-point attempts. Their sharp shooting, combined with Seton Hall’s sluggish start, propelled DePaul to a commanding 41-26 halftime lead.
DePaul’s offensive engine was powered by CJ Gunn, who finished with a team-high 21 points and four rebounds, and Troy D’Amico, who added 18 points and four assists, keeping the Blue Demons competitive throughout the game.
Seton Hall’s Second-Half Comeback:
The Pirates roared back in the second half, chipping away at DePaul’s lead with relentless energy and physicality. Seton Hall’s defense tightened with a full-court pressure, while their offense found its rhythm. Coleman and Addae-Wusu spearheaded the rally, making key plays down the stretch.
With under four minutes remaining in regulation, Seton Hall outscored DePaul 7-0, highlighted by a three from Coleman that ignited the home crowd of 8,257. Their dominance on the boards was another critical factor, as the Pirates out-rebounded DePaul 34-32, including several crucial offensive rebounds that kept possessions alive.
Overtime Brilliance:
In the overtime period, Seton Hall carried their momentum forward, executing efficiently on both ends of the hardwood. DePaul continued to fight, but the Pirates’ ability to control the paint and limit turnovers proved decisive in the game.
A Turning Point for Seton Hall:
The victory marked a pivotal moment for Seton Hall, improving their record to 6-9on the season. After enduring a five-game skid, the Pirates showed resilience and composure in a high-pressure situation.
“We fought hard, and it was great to see the guys step up when it mattered most,” said head coach Shaheen Holloway. “Isiah and Dylan were outstanding, but this win was a total team effort. We took care of the ball, dominated the paint, and made the plays we needed to win.”
DePaul, now 9-7 on the season, will look to regroup after the tough loss.
Seton Hall aims to build on this victory as they prepare for Providence next Big East matchup on Saturday, hoping to turn the tide and re-establish themselves as contenders in conference play.
