This is the year for SHUMBB…finally! Heading into post-season play at the Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden today, Seton Hall is receiving favorable predictions for some big wins. The Pirates have really shown up this season and are seen as a serious threat not only in the conference tournament, but also the upcoming NCAA tournament. Here’s some key facts to help you cheer on the team and stay basketball competent during the upcoming weekend.
1. The Record: 22-8
The Pirates have pulled off a very impressive season record which places them at 3rd overall in the Big East. They had an impressive win over Wichita State early on which showed they were a force to be reckoned with. In conference play the team went 12-6, ending with a HUGE win over #5 (in the country) Xavier.
2. The Sophomores
The powerhouse behind the success this season can heavily be accredited to the sophomore class. Isaiah Whitehead, Desi Rodriguez, Angel Delgado, and Khadeen Carrington have all shown to be invaluable members of the team. With other standouts including Senior transfer Derrick Gordon and Sophomore Ismael Sanogo.
3. Coach Willard
The Pirates leader, Coach Kevin Willard, faced a big hurdle at the beginning of the season. With a small meltdown at the end of last year, Willard had MAJOR pressure to have a successful season this year. Not only did he do that BUT he also was awarded “Big East Co-Coach of the Year” yesterday!
4. The Competition
Even though we have a team coming into the tournament hot, there are a few hurdles they have to jump before a banner comes to SHU. Villa-no-fun, I mean Villanova, is a powerhouse team per usual and currently #1 in the conference and 3rd in the nation. BUT, the Hall has had some impressive games against this team; beating them two years ago with a buzzer 3 in the Big East Tournament, last year beating them at home in overtime during conference play, and this year losing by 1 at home. The other big competitor is Xavier, 2nd in the conference and 5th in the nation. This team has a great bench which will prove to be helpful during the conference tournament but our most recent match-up ended with an impressive win for the Pirates.
5. Keys to Success
SHU has been praised this season for an athletic team who pushes the ball up and down the court. So, it’s important to play into those strengths this weekend by getting off to a quick start and keeping a fast tempo. But the quick pace has to be achieved without turning over the ball which, isn’t the team’s best statistic. Also, defense has to be at the forefront of the Pirates mind, rebounds and eliminating multiple shot attempts are key.
We’re in for an exciting post-season but it’s important to remember in tournament play, the focus has to be on the next step, which is tonight at 9:30 against Creighton. Go Pirates!