Freshman Najai Hines scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while hearing chants of “Baby Shaq” from the New Jersey crowd as he led Seton Hall to a 77-50 victory over visiting Saint Peter’s on Monday night in the season opener for both teams.
Stephon Payne III had 11 points in 18 minutes for Seton Hall and Tajuan Simpkins had 10. The Pirates went 30-36 from the free-throw line and had six dunks as they were too strong for St. Peter’s inside.
TJ Robinson was the only Peacock in double figures with 11. St. Peter’s shot 27.5% from the floor and never led after the first basket of the game.
Hines, a highly coveted recruit who played his last year of high school basketball in New Jersey, didn’t start but made an immediate impact when he entered after the first media timeout, swatting away four Peacock shots in the first half. He finished with six blocks.
St. Peter’s kept things tight early. Robinson hit a slick stepback three, leaving his Pirates defender on the floor, to bring the Peacocks within 22-19 with 8:50 remaining. However, Seton Hall responded with an 8-1 run, highlighted by a dunk from Payne III to create some separation.
The Pirates’ lead grew to 16 after a 3-pointer by Adam Clark with 41 seconds left in the half and Seton Hall led 41-28 at the break. Seton. Any drama out of the outcome was removed with the Pirates opening the second half on a 6-0 run that included a pair of baskets by Payne III. The lead grew as big as 36.
Seton Hall attacked with a press early and created nine first-half turnovers.
Seton Hall only scored 75 points or more four times last season. The victory broke a seven-game losing streak for the Pirates dating back to last season.
Both teams entered with almost completely new rosters after disappointing seasons. Seton Hall had 11 new players on its roster, while St. Peter’s had six.
