GAME NOTES: The Seton Hall Pirates will tip off the 2014-15 season on Sunday afternoon with a non-conference challenge from the Mercer Bears at the Prudential Center.

Mercer, which is playing its first season as a member of the Southern Conference following 36 seasons in the Atlantic Sun, already got its campaign started, rolling to an 88-48 triumph over Piedmont on Friday night. The Bears are searching for their fourth straight season of at least 24 wins, and hoping to build on a stunning upset of Duke in last season's NCAA Tournament.

Seton Hall did not enjoy as much fanfare last season. The Pirates clawed their way to an even 17-17 finish in Kevin Willard's fourth year at the helm. They did enjoy a few high points in the campaign, including a 64-63 stunning of Villanova in the Big East Conference Tournament.

This is the third straight season these teams have met. In last season's meeting Mercer escaped with a 77-74 win in double-overtime. The Pirates won the previous contest, 80-77.

Last season's success was built on efficient offensive play for Mercer. The Bears didn't seem to miss a step in the opener, shooting 46.2 percent from the floor, while assisting on 17 of their 30 field goals. Last season, they ranked among the top-25 nationally in scoring (78.8 ppg, 24th), assists (16.3 apg, 10th) and field goal percentage (.476, 25th). The Bears also played well defensively against Piedmont, forcing 18 turnovers and limiting the opposition to 29.4 percent shooting.

Ike Nwamu provided the biggest offensive punch in the win over Piedmont, piling up 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He was one of only two players to have at least 10 field goal attempts for the Bears. Darious Moten was the other, although he only connected on 2-of-10 tries for eight points. Jordan Strawberry (11 points) and Phillip Leonard (10 points) also were in double figures for the Bears in the 40-point romp. Leonard passed out seven assists and collected five rebounds as well. Jibri Bryan also added eight points and T.J. Hallice help with eight rebounds to go along with seven points.

Seton Hall didn't enjoy the same offensive success that Mercer did last season, as the team ranked sixth in the Big East in scoring (71.8 ppg) and assists (13.3 apg), while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor. Rebounding was a weak point, as they ranked last in the league with 32.4 rpg.

The main attraction for Seton Hall on Sunday, and the season in general, is Isaiah Whitehead. Considered one of the top recruits in the country, the 6- foot-4 guard brings a resume, which includes recognition as Mr. New York Basketball and a McDonald's All-American honor. Whitehead had some trouble in last week's preseason exhibition, as he had only eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. Sterling Gibbs was much more consistent, finishing with 19 points in the winning effort. Gibbs (13.2 ppg, 4.2 apg) is one of two returning starters for the Pirates, with Brandon Mobley (7.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) the other.

It may take a few games for Whitehead to really find his groove and he will face a stern test right away against a solid Mercer squad. However, the Pirates get to play this contest at home and that could prove to be the difference.