Villanova got its revenge over Seton Hall in the semifinals of the 2017 Big East Tournament. The Wildcats won a tight game against the Pirates 55-53, avenging last year’s loss in the Tournament finals. But the game was in doubt up until the closing seconds.
Seton Hall followed a specific blueprint to upset Villanova. Defend the three point line well, Villanova shot 26% for the game. Villanova was 41% for the game, Seton Hall really defended well. Out rebound the Wildcats, the Pirates were plus eight in that category. This close contests showed some weaknesses in the defending champ and how they can be beaten. I wrote yesterday about why they are poised to repeat as NCAA champs. But repeating in a single elimination tourney is no guarantee. If Nova shoots the way it did Friday night against a team slightly more competent than Seton Hall they will go home early in the NCAA’s.
In the end, Nova’s Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson did just enough to seal the victory. Take a look at the closing sequence that put Nova ahead and sealed the win below. Seton Hall had a chance and Angel Delgado missed an easy bunny.