By John "Woods" Armwood III
Saturday afternoon, the Pirates (13-3) defended their home court against the Georgetown Hoyas (8-7). This game, surprised many, however turned out to be a yard burner as both teams were equally as active, 74-71. Early in the game, the Pirates struggled to establish any offensive rhythm and appeared to be playing flat. That said, Georgetown took advantage and got out early, ultimately forcing the Pirates to trail for majority of the game. As the game progressed, it seemed to take on a life of its own, leaving nearly an almost sold-out crowd on the edge of their seats.
“Every day in practice we always tell them, ‘You’re battle tested’, every team in the Big East is going to be a tough team to beat,” Pirates assistant coach Cassandra Callaway stated. “We just understand what comes with that, so when adversity comes we already know what’s up.”
While Georgetown appeared to never quit, the Pirates' resilience and toughness never dwindled. At points of the game, when the Pirates were at a double-digit deficit, up until the point where they led by one, and even when trialing within a single possession, the team never waivered confidence. The mindset and mental toughness of the team will carry them to far greater heights than talent ever will.
Image Courtesy of Stephanie Sequera
History Made for the Pirates
This game, marked I’Yanna Lops 1,000 career collegiate points, ultimately making this victory that much more special. In such a high-scoring game, Lops contributions (17 points and three rebounds) were essential for the Pirates to secure the comeback. In the first half, the Pirates didn’t connect on one three-pointer, however this quickly changed as the game progressed.
The Pirates struggled to find any rhythm and flow within the offense, yet heading into halftime they only trailed 30-22. Lops and star freshman Jada Eads began to find success behind the arch. Later, Kaydan Lawson began to pitch in beyond the arch as well. Once the shots began to fall, naturally this opened up the offense and allowed other players to find their stride late in the game.
Eads recorded 27 points and seven assists, this includes all of the Pirates points (seven points) In the extra session. Eads connected on the game-winning three with under a minute remaining. After the Pirates forced a turnover, Eads was fouled and iced the game with a pair of made free throws.
“The sky is the limit for her,” Callaway continued. “She comes in every day and works, we don’t have to tell her anything because she already gets it, at least in terms of playing hard. Obviously, there are things she has to learn, but just coming out and competing, she has it.”
“The sky is the limit for her,” Callaway continued. “... Obviously, there are things she has to learn, but just coming out and competing, she has it.”@Sh3gotgame1 @SHUWBB
— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) January 5, 2025
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What’s Next for the Pirates?
Seton Hall will return to action on Saturday, January 11 when it returns to historic Walsh Gymnasium to host BIG EAST rival Creighton. Tip time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.