5 takeaways from a statement effort by the shorthanded Pirates.
NEWARK - This was the in-your-face, grizzled Seton Hall basketball team everyone expected to see all season.
This was the raucous, packed-upper-deck crowd a contender for big prizes deserves.
This was the look of a hungry unit that can beat anyone, anywhere in March.
Seton Hall basketball strapped on the hard hats and tried to ram fourth-ranked Villanova into submission Wednesday, falling 69-68 in overtime before 13,711 at the Prudential Center. Among those watching were Newark Archdiocese Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Governor Phil Murphy.
Senior guard Khadeen Carrington had a chance to win it in regulation, going to the line with the Pirates down one and 11 seconds left, but he missed the first free throw before making the second.
The Pirates (20-10 overall, 9-9 Big East, RPI 22) have lost five straight to Villanova after winning the 2016 Big East Tournament final. They played without leading scorer Desi Rodriguez, who missed a third straight game with a sprained ankle. He’s expected to return for Saturday’s Senior Night contest against Butler.
Villanova (26-4, 13-4) has not lost back-to-back games in five years. The Wildcats were coming off a defeat at Creighton. To the Cats’ credit, they rallied from a one-point deficit in the final minute of regulation thanks to big plays from their resident superstars: A floater by point guard Jalen Brunson (12 points) and a steal-turned-layup from wing Mikal Bridges (23 points, 10 rebounds).
But Brunson missed the rare front end of a one-and-one to leave the door open, and with the Pirates down one, Carrington (23 points, seven assists) drove the lane. He got fouled, went to the line with 11 ticks left and missed the first free throw. After a wince and a deep breath, he swished the second, tying things up.
Villanova had just a little more in the extra session, but the Pirates kept coming. A controversial foul call against Eron Gordon, who appeared to steal an inbounds pass for Brunson with five seconds left, sealed it for the visitor.
FIVE TAKEAWAYS
Rough break for the Pirates: Starting power forward Ish Sanogo suffered a left ankle sprain in the second half and did not return. The senior is the heart of the Pirates’ defense.
True to form, Willard plays the long game. He’s always been cautious in bringing players back from injuries, and Rodriguez sat to rest the ankle fully for the stretch run. Reserve point guard Jordan Walker (thumb injury) also didn’t dress.
Big-time atmosphere. Without question, this was the loudest the Rock ever has been for a Seton Hall game. And unlike previous Villanova visits, the crowd was heavily pro-Hall.
Villanova’s formula was obvious: Deny Angel Delgado (7 points, 2-of-7 shooting, 8 rebounds) and make somebody else beat you. The big fella hardly touched the ball for much of the night. But the Hall survived that thanks to strong minutes by postman sub Sandro Mamukelashvili (6 points), who continues to improve as a freshman.
Boos for Murphy. The governor, who was seated courtside behind the scorer’s table, was introduced during the first timeout and booed heartily. He was better received during a Jan. 24 appearance at Rutgers’ loss to Nebraska. At the time, Murphy vowed he would check out the Hall before the season’s end.
Staff writer Jerry Carino: [email protected].