Pirates Survive Overtime Thriller With VCU in Charleston

Published: Thursday, November 21, 2024

by Miguel Freire

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Seton Hall Pirates (3-2) opened the Charleston Classic on Thursday night with a stunning 69-66 overtime victory over the VCU Rams (4-1). The win marked the first time this season that the Pirates surpassed 60 points.

Many questions were asked about Seton Hall’s offense heading into the game, and the first half did little to silence them. While the Pirates' defense held VCU to 28 points, Shaheen Holloway’s squad managed just 25, shooting 35% from the field. It was their second-lowest first-half scoring output of the season, trailing only the 24 points scored against Hofstra.

Things turned around in the second half as Chaunce Jenkins caught fire. Scoreless in the first half, Jenkins finished with 22 points, shooting an efficient 6-for-12 from the field and 9-for-11 from the free throw line. 

While Jenkins emerged as the Pirates' hero, David Tubek deserves an honorable mention. The sophomore hit three clutch three-pointers late in the second half, including one in overtime, providing a crucial offensive spark off the bench.

Isaiah Coleman made his mark with his first career double-double, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds in 37 minutes. His 10 rebounds were instrumental in the Pirates’ dominance on the glass, where they out-rebounded VCU 44-30.

Down by two in the final seconds of regulation, VCU was able to sink a game-tying layup, courtesy of Max Shulga. After receiving a pass from Phillip Russell on the left wing, Shulga was able to find a hole in the Pirates’ defense and drive past Addae-Wusu to the basket.

With the game tied at 61 at the end of regulation, the Pirates entered overtime and secured their first overtime win of the season, outscoring the Rams 8-5. Chaunce Jenkins and David Tubek led the way in the extra period, scoring five and three points, respectively.

The VCU Rams suffered their first loss of the season, falling to 4-1. Max Shulga led the team with 20 points, shooting 6-for-14 from the field. Shulga's performance was a key factor in keeping VCU neck and neck with the Pirates down the stretch.

The Pirates secured a 69-66 overtime victory over VCU, setting a season-high in points against the seventh-most efficient defense, according to Kenpom. This gritty performance sets the tone as the team looks to build momentum in the Charleston Classic.

Up next, the Pirates face the Vanderbilt Commodores in the tournament semifinals on Friday, with tip-off scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. A win would give Seton Hall the chance to compete for its first Thanksgiving weekend championship since the 2018 Wooden Legacy. Mike Bellifemini and Joe Morales will once again have the call.

Miguel Freire can be reached at miguel.freire@student.shu.edu. 

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