Preview: Seton Hall looks for revenge in semi-final vs. Georgetown

Date: March 12, 2021

By: Dylan Camp

Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Seton Hall was able to sneak out a win against No. 4 seed in the Big East Tournament St. John’s in the quarterfinal round. The Pirates built leads in both halves but watched them slip away before finally building and keeping a lead in overtime to finally win by eight and a final score of 77-69. Seton Hall will now face off against Georgetown in the semifinals after they upset No. 1 seed Villanova.

 

If the Pirates can come into Friday’s game with the same energy and effort as Thursday, they will be in great shape. Seton Hall’s big three Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jared Rhoden, and Myles Cale each put up at least 16 points in the win. In addition, Mamu and Rhoden each had double-doubles with points and rebounds, Mamu grabbing 11 rebounds, and Rhoden with a game high 16 boards.

 

To round out the starting five, Ike Obiagu had seven points with seven blocks and Shavar Reynolds added six points and three assists. A productive game from all five starters is something the Pirates have been lacking, especially during the four-game losing streak that preceded the win on Thursday. All around productivity is crucial from the starting five as the bench continues to provide much needed rest but not a ton of scoring support to the starters. Bryce Aiken did not play on Thursday however, which is believed to be related to his ongoing battle with his knee injury.

tried to come up with a caption but Ike Obiagu blocked it pic.twitter.com/LjIPUgkJ1H

— #BIGEASThoops (@BIGEASTMBB) March 11, 2021

In Georgetown’s game on Thursday, Dante Harris was able to draw a foul with just five seconds left and hit two free-throws to put the Hoya’s on top. These game-winning free throws were the cherry on top of Harris’ 18-point performance against the No. 1 seed Villanova. Nova’s Caleb Daniels missed a three pointer as time expired, securing the eight seed Georgetown Hoya’s advancing onto the semi-final round.

 

For the Hoya’s it was their usual cast of characters that led them to the win, Jamorko Pickett, Qudus Wahab, and Jahvon Blair each added double digit efforts along with Harris to total 61 of Georgetown’s 72 points. Wahab will be a particularly interesting matchup for Seton Hall. Obiagu is coming off a stellar performance defensively against St. Johns and it will be his job to shut down the Hoya’s big man. The last time these two teams met, Wahab put up 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Jahvon. Blair. @GeorgetownHoops leads!

Just another Thursday at the #BEtourney. pic.twitter.com/XbxtOUgPXD

— #BIGEASThoops (@BIGEASTMBB) March 11, 2021

A similar effort will likely give a strong edge to Georgetown. But if Obiagu can have another block party and secure the paint, it will likely lead to Seton Hall leading the crucial points in the paint battle. The chess match between coaches Willard and Ewing will be particularly fascinating as its worth watching how the two substitute in and out their big men in relation to when the other is on the floor.

 

The Georgetown Hoya’s have won four of their last five games and are trying to make a surprise run to the Big East Title and thus the NCAA tournament. The Seton Hall Pirates finally ended what was a four-game skid with their overtime win against St. John’s on Thursday. The Pirates will try to make a run to the Big East Title and sandwich three straight Villanova Big East Tournament wins with two of their own. Michael Daly and Heaven Hill will be on the call for this exciting semifinal which tips off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.

Dylan Camp can be reached at dylan.camp@student.shu.edu.

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