The Seton Hall Pirates defeated a shorthanded DePaul Blue Demons team, 86-69, Saturday night with help from a strong shooting performance from senior Fuquan Edwin.
Edwin, who finished with 30 points, shot 11-16 from the floor. It was all Edwin at the half; with 22 of his 30 coming before the intermission.
"I just wanted to do what I'm comfortable with and get out in transition and get a couple easy buckets like that," Edwin said.
Head coach Kevin Willard said that he liked "everything" about Edwin's performance.
"I thought (Edwin) was really consistent, I thought he came out with good purpose and attacked the rim. He only had one steal but really should've been credited with two or three more. He really created some offense for us tonight."
The Pirates shared the ball effectively, finishing with 21 team assists.
"I think Brian (Oliver) really got the ball movement started for us, which allowed (Edwin) to get some open looks. When we pass the ball, we are going to make shots."
Edwin echoed his coach's statement about the team's ball movement.
"It allows me to get comfortable and not have to take hard jump shots," Edwin said.
The Pirates as a team never looked back after an early 2-4 deficit, going on an 11-0 run en route to a commanding 45-25 lead at the break.
DePaul was able to inch closer early in the second half thanks to a 9-0 run which helped cut the deficit to 16; however, strong showings from big men Eugene Teague and Patrik Auda sealed the victory for Seton Hall.
Teague finished with nine points while Auda also finished with nine behind a couple of emphatic dunks.
"I think he's (Auda) one of the best players in the conference," Willard said about his junior forward.
DePaul's Brandon Young was the lone bright spot for the Blue Demons in the loss, tallying 23 points and converting on all eight of his free throws.
The 12-8 Pirates return to action Wednesday when they host Butler at 9 p.m. at the Prudential Center.
David Heim can be reached at david.heim@student.shu.edu.
