𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞

Seton Hall to Play Exhibition Game at Monmouth on Oct. 24​

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — The Monmouth Men's Basketball program will host Seton Hall University for an exhibition game on Saturday, Oct. 24 at OceanFirst Bank Center in what is slated to be a marquee matchup between the two local Jersey programs.

"We are excited to welcome Seton Hall to West Long Branch," said Monmouth University Director of Athletics Jennifer Sansevero. "Bringing together two New Jersey institutions for this event is a great opportunity for both programs and our communities. We appreciate Seton Hall's partnership and look forward to creating more opportunities and look forward to creating more opportunities like this in the future."

"We're very excited to work with our friends at Monmouth to put this co-sponsored event for our fans," said Seton Hall Director of Athletics Bryan Felt. "In this day and age of college athletics, finding additional fundraising and revenue opportunities have become crucial. This exhibition will not only aid the growth of our men's basketball program but will also be a unique experience for our fans, many of whom call Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore home."

The last time the two teams met was in 2025 with the Pirates getting the best of the Hawks 70-58 after overcoming a first-half deficit to avenge a Monmouth win a year prior. The Hawks and Pirates return to West Long Branch, NJ for the first time since 2009 and will meet on the Jersey Shore for just the second time in their 17 previous matchups.

Monmouth head coach King Rice and Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway have a rich history together, both coaching against each other while in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), King at Monmouth and Holloway while at Saint Peter's University. During that time, Holloway held the advantage in the head-to-head matchup, 6-3. Holloway led the Peacocks to an NCAA Elite Eight appearance after defeating Rice's Hawks in the MAAC Championship game in 2022 to earn an automatic bid into the Tournament. Following the run, Holloway accepted the head coaching position with his alma mater becoming the first Seton Hall graduate to lead the men's program since 1970. The two head coaches have faced each other four times since as they've remained close friends, which adds to the friendly rivalry as it is revived this October for the fifth installment.

"Seton Hall coming to Monmouth is a great opportunity for our program, and we are very excited to welcome them to West Long Branch," said Monmouth head coach King Rice. "Shaheen is one of my best friends, and I really appreciate his continued support of Monmouth Basketball and our relationship over the years. It's going to be a great night for New Jersey basketball."

"I think this is a great opportunity not just for our team, but also an extra chance for our fans to see the hard work our guys put in," said Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway. "King has done great things at Monmouth for a long time, so this will be a good early test for us."

The contest is being presented as a special co-sponsored fundraising event for the Universities, benefiting both Monmouth and Seton Hall. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Public sale tickets are set to open Sept. 10.

You must contact Monmouth for the tickets, not Seton Hall.

A link for ticket purchases will be posted at 10 AM Thursday.

Doubtful. That would hurt the fundraiser.