In a season opener marked by sloppy play and foul trouble, Seton Hall's veteran transfer Chaunce Jenkins stepped up to lead the Pirates to a narrow 57-53 victory over Saint Peter's. With 10 new players on the roster, the team looked disjointed at times, but Jenkins' experience and clutch performance proved to be the difference.

Seasoned Veteran Steadies the Ship for Seton Hall

Veteran Presence Pays Dividends

Chaunce Jenkins, a postgrad guard transfer from Old Dominion, was perhaps the least heralded addition to Seton Hall's roster this offseason, but his experience and leadership proved invaluable in the season opener. The veteran tallied 19 points and 6 rebounds, shooting an efficient 9-of-10 from the free-throw line and 4-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. His plus-minus of +22 was double that of any other player, underscoring his impact on the game.Jenkins' performance was no fluke, as he had been the leading scorer in both of Seton Hall's closed-door scrimmages, foreshadowing his ability to step up when the lights were brightest. With 10 new players on the roster, the Pirates looked like strangers for long stretches, but Jenkins' steady hand and veteran poise pulled them through the fire.

Newcomers Contribute, but Struggle with Consistency

While Jenkins provided the veteran leadership, Seton Hall's newcomers had a mixed debut. Boston College transfer Prince Aligbe added 10 points, and Evansville transfer Yacine Toumi delivered a key block late in the game. However, the team's ball-handling and decision-making were shaky, with 15 turnovers leading to 18 points for Saint Peter's.Garwey Dual, the much-anticipated transfer from Providence, showcased flashes of creative playmaking but also made several questionable decisions. Bethune-Cookman transfer Zion Harmon, the backup point guard, was quickly pulled from the game as the team struggled to find a consistent floor general.The absence of Louisville transfer Emmanuel Okorafor, who remains out after a serious dehydration episode, opened the door for freshman Godswill Erheriene to earn a spot in the starting lineup. The 6-foot-9, 215-pound Nigerian held his own in his debut, contributing a made field goal, two rebounds, and altering multiple shots on the defensive end, but ultimately fell victim to early foul trouble.

Holloway's Wrist Injury Adds to the Challenges

Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway wore his heart on his sleeve throughout the game, and his wrist told the story. Holloway revealed during the postgame press conference that he believes he broke his wrist while heading into the halftime locker room, with the Pirates leading 32-27.Holloway's injury added to the challenges the team faced, as the third-year coach had to manage his substitution patterns and rotations with a taped-up wrist. Despite the setback, Holloway remained characteristically blunt in his assessment, praising Saint Peter's as a "tough, hard-nosed team" and acknowledging that he is still trying to get to know his new-look roster.

Saint Peter's Brings the Physicality, but Seton Hall Prevails

Saint Peter's, the team that made a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight in last season's NCAA Tournament, brought their trademark physicality and intensity to the Prudential Center. The Peacocks won the battle of the boards and made life difficult for Seton Hall's ball-handlers, keeping them out of the lane and forcing 15 turnovers.The chippy nature of the game seemed to get to the Pirates at times, but they ultimately prevailed, extending their winning streak against their in-state rival to three games. While the Peacocks may have lost the key players from last year's tournament team, their "we do that" mentality remains, and they proved to be a formidable opponent for the inexperienced Seton Hall squad.

A Steep Learning Curve Ahead for the Pirates

With 10 new scholarship players on the roster, Seton Hall looked like a team still trying to find its identity and cohesion. The absence of Isaiah Coleman, a presumed starter who sat out with a muscle strain, only compounded the challenge, as the Pirates lacked a veteran presence to guide the newcomers.Holloway acknowledged that there is a big learning curve ahead for his team, as the players work to understand their roles, execute Holloway's system, and develop chemistry. The sloppy play, foul trouble, and inconsistent performances from the newcomers were a testament to the work that lies ahead.However, Holloway remains optimistic, stating that he is "trying to get used to these guys" and "trying to get to know these guys." The victory, while not the prettiest, was a step in the right direction, and the Pirates will look to build on this experience as they continue to integrate their new pieces and find their rhythm.