Pirates to Face FAU in Third-Place Game at Charleston Classic

Published: Sunday, November 24, 2024

by Nick DiBlasi

After a hard-fought weekend in Charleston, the Seton Hall Pirates (3-3) aim to secure third place in the Charleston Classic on Sunday night as they face the Florida Atlantic Owls (4-3). The Pirates are looking to avenge their 76-60 loss to Vanderbilt on Friday night, where they uncharacteristically struggled defensively.

Despite some setbacks, there were several positives, including a standout performance by sophomore guard Isaiah Coleman, who scored a career-high 20 points. The Fredericksburg, Virginia, native achieved this milestone with an efficient 8-for-15 shooting effort, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.

Coleman’s offensive success did not carry over to the rest of the team, which posted its lowest shooting percentage (36%) since the season opener against Saint Peter’s. Seton Hall didn’t find its offensive rhythm until the second half, but by then, Vanderbilt had already built a commanding lead, making it a “too little, too late” situation for the Pirates.  

Adding to their struggles, Seton Hall’s typically reliable defense faltered throughout the game. Key scoring bursts, including a 14-7 run midway through the second half, propelled the Commodores to a decisive victory and preserved their undefeated season. 

Florida Atlantic has performed well in Charleston, defeating Oklahoma State in the first round before falling to Drake, 75-63, in the semifinals. The Owls played strong defense, limiting Oklahoma State to just 34.2% shooting from the field. 

The Owls' head coach, John Jakus, has made his mark so far in his first year at the helm. Before the Classic, his squad ranked first in the country with a 43.6% three-point percentage and second in the nation at the time in points scored with 483. The Owls have taken a “spread the wealth” approach early in the season, with eight players scoring at least 9.0 points per game. 

Predicted to finish fifth in the AAC this season, graduate guard KyKy Tandy was named to the preseason All-AAC Second Team. Although there are high expectations for Tandy this season, sophomore forward Kaleb Glenn has taken charge for the Owls in the early portion of the season, leading the way with 13.9 points per game on a 61% rate from the field. 

With two teams searching for redemption in Charleston, this is shaping up to be an exciting third-place matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., with Michael Bellifemini and Joe Morales on the call for WSOU 89.5 FM. Pregame coverage will start at 5:45. 

Nick DiBlasi is an Assistant Social Media Director at 89.5 WSOU and can be reached at nicholas.diblasi@student.shu.edu. 

Posted in: sports,