Can Seton Hall stop post-ranking freefall against DePaul?

January 24, 2026 - 08:50

The Seton Hall Pirates face a critical test of resilience this week as they prepare to meet the DePaul Blue Demons. This matchup arrives at a precarious moment for the Hall, which is fighting to stabilize its season after a swift reversal of fortune.

Just weeks ago, on January 12th, the program celebrated a significant milestone: re-entering the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time in over four years. That hard-earned recognition, however, has been followed by a difficult stretch of conference play. The Pirates have stumbled since attaining their ranking, dropping several key Big East contests that have threatened their standing.

Now, facing a DePaul team that has consistently found itself at the bottom of the league standings, the game is framed as a must-win opportunity. For Seton Hall, the focus is squarely on self-correction and rediscovering the defensive intensity and cohesive play that propelled them into the national conversation. A victory is essential not only for the conference record but to restore confidence and prove the team can handle the pressure that comes with heightened expectations. The Pirates' ability to halt their recent slide will depend on executing their game plan with a sense of urgency largely absent in recent performances.