Seton Hall
Strong Second Half from No. 1 Villanova Stifles Seton Hall's Upset Bid
Date: February 5, 2018
(Photo: SHU Athletics
By: Angelo Maltese
The Seton Hall men's basketball team battled with the Villanova Wildcats for a good deal of the game, but it was the number one team in the nation who were able to pull away with a 92-76 victory.
Seton Hall (17-6, 6-4 BIG EAST) shot 50 percent from the field, led by Desi Rodriguez who tabbed 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Angel Delgado was one rebound shy of a double-double, but was able to contribute inside with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Villanova (21-1, 9-1 BIG EAST) was led by a balanced team effort, as five different Wildcats scored at least 10 points. The team shot 51 percent from the field. Omari Spellman paced Villanova with 26 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 6-for-7 from behind the arc. Jalen Brunson notched 21 points alongside six assists with only turnover in the game.
The Pirates played well for the first 30 minutes of the game, hanging with the Wildcats as the two teams traded baskets and the lead multiple times. The game was within one possession before a pair of big runs, 11-2 and 12-0, helped Villanova clinch the win. Seton Hall was plagued with foul trouble as both Desi Rodriguez and Khadeen Carrington had to sit out a spell, but both players managed to still make impact when re-entering the game.
Coach Kevin Willard was pleased with his team performance and effort despite the result. Willard also praised the Omari Spellman's big game today in the press conference, "When a guy like that makes shot like that. It is going to be really tough to beat them."
Angel Delgado also praised Spellman, but noted that the foul trouble issues for the Pirates had an impact for both teams.
"Losing Khadeen gave those guys (Villanova) a lot of confidence," Delgado said.
The Pirates are still looking for their first win against the No. 1 team in the nation, as they drop to 0-15 against teams in the top spot.
Seton Hall will be back in action on Wednesday with a pivotal BIG EAST matchup against the Marquette Golden Eagles at 7 p.m. Coverage will begin on 89.5 FM WSOU at 6:30 p.m.
Angelo Maltese can be reached at angelomaltese21@gmail.com.
