SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — Seton Hall men’s basketball improved to 2-0 Thursday night, overcoming a determined LIU squad to earn a 67-60 victory inside Walsh Gymnasium.
Graduate guard Roddie Anderson III led the Pirates with 19 points, including four three-pointers, as Seton Hall found enough offense down the stretch to withstand the Sharks’ challenge.
Elijah Fisher contributed 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Terry Copeland Jr. added 10 points and six rebounds. Simeon Wilcher finished with eight points and a team-high seven rebounds.
LIU received an outstanding performance from Vasean Allette, who recorded 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Xavier Li added 10 points off the bench, but the Sharks were unable to complete the upset.
The contest featured several momentum swings, with neither team able to establish consistent control for long stretches.
Anderson gave Seton Hall an early offensive spark, scoring eight of the Pirates’ first 10 points as the home team moved in front 10-6. LIU responded with a run of its own, keeping the game competitive and refusing to allow the Pirates to build separation.
Rodney Brown Jr. provided an important lift off the bench, contributing six points and helping Seton Hall put together an 8-1 run to take a 20-13 advantage.
The Sharks answered with an 11-0 surge, taking a 24-20 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first half. Seton Hall responded before halftime, getting contributions from Brown, Wilcher and Copeland to close the period on a 10-2 run. The Pirates entered the locker room with a 30-26 advantage.
Seton Hall carried that momentum into the second half. Fisher opened the scoring with a layup, and Anderson continued attacking the LIU defense, scoring seven points in just over two minutes to extend the Pirates’ lead to 39-31.
LIU continued to apply pressure and eventually pulled within one point at 42-41. Fisher answered with important baskets to help Seton Hall maintain its advantage as the game moved toward the final minutes.
The Sharks made one final push, taking a 58-57 lead with 3:09 remaining after converting a defensive stop into a scoring opportunity.
With the game hanging in the balance, Seton Hall turned to its defense and ability to get to the free-throw line. The Pirates closed the contest with a 9-3 run, converting crucial opportunities at the charity stripe to put away the Sharks and secure the seven-point victory.
Statistically, Seton Hall shot 40.8% from the field, making 20 of 49 attempts, and connected on six of 21 three-point attempts. The Pirates also converted 21 of 28 free throws.
LIU finished 20 of 55 from the floor (36.4%) and made five of 21 attempts from beyond the arc. The Sharks were more accurate at the free-throw line, converting 15 of 18 attempts.
Seton Hall controlled the glass, finishing with a 39-29 rebounding advantage, and held a significant edge in free-throw attempts. However, the Pirates will want to address their 16 turnovers as they continue to develop their offensive rhythm.
The victory moves Seton Hall to 2-0 and improves its all-time record against LIU to 18-15.
Looking Ahead
Seton Hall will travel to Philadelphia on Monday, Nov. 9, to face Charlotte in The Blueprint at The Palestra. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN+.
