MBB Big East Tournament: ’HALL You Like Me Now,’ Pirates Advance to Big East Final

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One year ago, the idea of the Seton Hall University men’s basketball team playing in a Big East Final would have been nothing short of a dream. A year later, the dream has come true.

The Pirates defeated the No. 2 seed Xavier Musketeers 87-83 on Friday night in front of a loud and energized Madison Square Garden crowd setting themselves up for a Big East championship game against No. 1 seeded Villanova, the first for Seton Hall since 1993.

The Pirates were led for the second straight night by Isaiah Whitehead and Khadeen Carrington. Whitehead finished with 20 points and five rebounds while dishing out eight assists, and Carrington finished with a team-high 23 points and seven rebounds for the Hall.

Carrington is shooting an incredible 65 percent, 17-for-26 from the field in the tournament.

“This is the time of year when you lose you go home, and I’m not trying to go home,” Carrington said. “This is what we came to Seton Hall for.”

Angel Delgado also had 15 points and six boards for the Pirates.

“It means a lot to be going to the Big East Finals,” Delgado said. “The last time this school went to a Big East Championship was like 23 years ago and I am really happy and proud of these guys. Not everyone can do what we are doing and we are going to come tomorrow and play really hard.”

The Pirates out-hustled and out-worked the Musketeers while shooting 47 percent from the field in the first half and took an 11 point lead into the locker room.

In the second half, Seton Hall never relinquished the lead, shooting 60 percent from the field and moving to 20-0 on the season while leading at halftime. The Pirates also moved to 23-0 while having a lead of seven points at any point in the game.

“They came out real quick,” Seton Hall Head Coach Kevin Willard said. “After the first TV time out we kind of got our second wind, and then we really picked it up defensively.”

“We were puppies last year,” Willard said. “Now we’re turning into dogs.”

“Villanova is a great team and they’re tough,” Whitehead said. “It’s going to be a great game and I am looking forward to it.”

Xavier Head Coach Chris Mack praised Whitehead saying, “He’s a monster. He’s the best player in the league. I voted for him. He is the real freaking deal.”

“Playing in the Big East Championship in the Mecca on Saturday night? It’s an honor,” Willard said. “Its an honor and a privilege.”

The Pirates are energized, the Pirates are hot and the Pirates are about to play in a Big East Championship game. A game that a year ago was a dream, is now a reality.

The Tournament Final is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m.