Ari Woodard led the Pirates with 22 points, three steals, and two assists, providing the offensive spark as Seton Hall forced turnovers and consistently attacked the basket.
The Pirates scored 31 points off Mercyhurst turnovers and dominated the paint, collecting 40 points inside. Those numbers highlighted the difference between the teams and demonstrated the potential of Seton Hall’s offensive approach.
Savannah Catalon and Saniyah King also made valuable contributions, doing many of the little things that do not necessarily show up in the box score. Their effort, energy, and willingness to make the extra play helped Seton Hall maintain its advantage and reflected the kind of unselfish basketball the coaching staff wants to see.
However, despite the comfortable final margin, the Pirates still have areas that need attention if they expect to compete for postseason opportunities in March.
Pirates Show Offensive Potential but Struggle with Consistency
Seton Hall took a 33-23 advantage into halftime, but the first half was far from a polished performance.
The Pirates committed too many turnovers, missed open shots, and struggled at times to establish offensive rhythm. Some of those growing pains are understandable for a team incorporating players who arrived on campus later and are still becoming familiar with their new teammates, coaching staff, and system.
Building chemistry takes time, but the Pirates cannot afford to make careless mistakes against stronger competition.
Seton Hall finished 26-of-58 from the field, shooting 44.8 percent, and connected on just four of its 14 attempts from three-point range (28.6 percent).
Woodard’s 22-point performance helped provide stability when the offense needed it most. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and generate defensive pressure was a major factor in the Pirates maintaining control.
The 40 points in the paint were particularly encouraging. Seton Hall showed that it can be effective attacking the basket rather than depending entirely on perimeter shooting.
Defense Creates Separation
The Pirates’ defensive effort ultimately made the difference.
Seton Hall converted Mercyhurst mistakes into 31 points, applying pressure that made it difficult for the Lakers to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
Mercyhurst entered the season coming off a 15-17 campaign in 2025-26, including an 8-8 record on the road. The Lakers averaged 64.6 points per game last season, with 23.3 points in the paint, 16.4 points off turnovers and 6.9 points on fast breaks.
Seton Hall finished 19-13 last season and posted a 10-6 record at Walsh Gymnasium. The Pirates averaged 67.5 points per game, including 27.5 points in the paint, 18.4 points off turnovers and 8.3 points on fast breaks.
The early-season matchup offered an opportunity for the Pirates to build on those strengths while identifying areas that need improvement.
March Aspirations Require More Attention to Detail
The victory gives Seton Hall a positive starting point, but the expectations surrounding the program require a higher level of consistency.
If the Pirates have aspirations of competing in March and making a postseason tournament run, they must improve their fundamentals. Ball security, shot selection, defensive communication, and finishing around the basket will all be important as the schedule becomes more challenging.
Seton Hall demonstrated that it has players capable of producing offensively and creating opportunities through defensive pressure. Woodard’s performance was an encouraging sign, and the team’s ability to score 40 points in the paint showed what it can accomplish when it attacks the basket.
But the Pirates also need to become tougher around the rim, limit unnecessary turnovers, and take advantage of open shots.
There is plenty of time for the team to develop chemistry and establish its identity. Tuesday’s victory was a positive first step, but the real test will be whether Seton Hall can carry that defensive intensity and improve its execution against tougher opponents.
