NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a dominant season-opening performance Monday night, the Seton Hall Pirates overwhelmed the Saint Peter’s Peacocks 77-50 in a non-conference men’s basketball game at Prudential Center.

A crowd of 6,312 watched as the Pirates seized control early with a stifling defensive effort and never looked back. Seton Hall built a commanding 41-28 lead by halftime and maintained its intensity after the break to secure the 27-point victory.

The game was defined by Seton Hall’s defensive pressure and efficiency at the free-throw line. The Pirates forced 12 Saint Peter’s turnovers, converting them into 23 points, while the Peacocks managed just 5 points off 8 Seton Hall turnovers. Seton Hall also capitalized on its opportunities at the charity stripe, making 30 of 36 free throw attempts. Saint Peter’s, by contrast, went 16 for 22 from the line.

Offensively, the Pirates were led by a balanced attack. Najai Hines was a force in the paint, scoring 12 points and pulling down 9 rebounds while recording 6 blocks. Stephon Payne III added 11 points, and TJ Simpkins chipped in 10. Elijah Fisher filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Peacocks struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting just 14 for 51 from the field for a 27.5 percent clip. TJ Robinson was the lone Saint Peter’s player to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points. J’Quan Ewing contributed 8 rebounds in the losing effort.

Seton Hall’s offensive execution was markedly superior, scoring 77 points on just 59 possessions for an offensive rating of 130.3. Saint Peter’s managed only 50 points on 61 possessions, an offensive rating of 81.4. The Pirates also held advantages in points in the paint, 28-16, and fastbreak points, 10-0.

With the win, Seton Hall begins its season 1-0 and will host Wagner on Friday. Saint Peter’s starts 0-1 and will look for its first win when it hosts Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday.