NEW YORK – Seton Hall epitomized the “survive and advance” concept in the Big East Tournament opening round. The Pirates came from eight down with under three minutes to play to force overtime and go on to defeat South Florida 46-42. Tuesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden opened the tournament, being contested this week with a strong scent of nostalgia present.
South Florida came into the contest averaging a very deliberate 60 possessions in Big East play. For the evening, including overtime, the Bulls used just 54 possessions. At the half USF led 20-17 in a 22-possession first twenty minutes. Neither team went to the line during those first twenty minutes. In addition only nine fouls were called the entire half.
Seton Hall looked to run to quicken the tempo. They used an opportunity break to get a faster rhythm, but did not force the transition if it didn’t materialize. At the end of regulation, the pace was 47 possessions.
The overtime saw the tempo quicken a bit. A layup by Fuquan Edwin with just under a minute remaining gave the Hall a lead it would not relinquish. It was the second lowest scoring game in Big East Tournament history. In 2003 Georgetown defeated Villanova 46-41. But that contest was a regulation affair. This game was tied at 37 after forty minutes.
A few numbers:
Offensive Efficiency :
Seton Hall 85
South Florida 79
- Among the Four Factors, South Florida had a huge 52-29% edge in offensive rebounding percentage. The Bulls also forced the Hall into a 26% turnover rate. South Florida’s undoing was a cold 28% effective field goal percentage.
- If you chose a player of the game a strong case could be made for Edwin of Seton Hall. He came up with a number of big plays in the stretch and virtually willed Seton Hall to the next round.
- Resilience. Give Seton Hall credit. Down eight late, which felt like eighteen, they could have packed it in but refused. “All year our guys have battled back,” said Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard. Even trailing late with the clock ticking they played hard, didn’t panic and executed.
- The Hall improved to 15-17 while South Florida finished 12-19. Zach Leday led the Bulls with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Edwin paced all scorers with 17 while Gene Teague was effective inside for the Pirates adding 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Teague proved a difficult inside matchup for the South Florida defense.
- A national champion graced the Garden floor. Representing South Florida was Tiffany Jockers, a sophomore from St. Petersburg (Florida) , who has won several national championships in baton twirling. Lets say her routines were of championship caliber.
