Seton Hall upsets Xavier, boosts hopes for NCAAs

It was also the program’s sixth win ever over an opponent ranked in the top-5 of the Associated Press poll, to go with triumphs over No. 3 Villanova in the 2013 Big East Tournament, No. 4 Pittsburgh in 2004, No. 4 Syracuse in 2000, No. 5 Georgetown in 1989 and No. 5 Temple in the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

Although Xavier struggled in transition, the team made it a two-point game with 11:49 left in the first half.

It appears the question now should become how high of a seed the Pirates can obtain.

“They were amped up and played really hard”, said Mack, whose team entered Sunday having won four straight and nine of 10.

The Pirates have won seven of their last eight games and are led by 6-4 sophomore Isaiah Whitehead. Seton Hall capitalized on the St. John’s setback by topping 10th-seeded Providence to clinch the No. 3 seed in the day’s final tilt.

The quality win over Xavier (25-4, 13-4), which has won nine of its last 11 games, should assure Seton Hall of its first NCAA tournament bid in 10 years. Rodriguez had a career-high 27 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, and Angel Delgado was the best big man on the court, notching 17 points and eight rebounds against Xavier’s rugged frontline. They snapped Xavier’s four-game winning streak and remained undefeated against the Musketeers (3-0) at the Prudential Center since XU joined the Big East.

The result was a 90-81 win for the Pirates, which really helped their tournament resume. Creighton and Xavier finished tied for seventh place (8-10) and split the series, with the Bluejays’ sweep of Villanova (compared to Xavier’s split) being the deciding factor.

When the Pirates make its NCAA tournament appearance in a few weeks, Gordon will be the first player in Division 1 basketball history to play in the tournament for three different teams.

“By our count we missed 17 layups in the first half”. Seton Hall never trailed the entire game.

“They scored 90 points. It was very visible, what happened”.

“Disappointed in our response from the 8 minute mark to the end of the first”, said Chris Mack on his post-game radio interview.

The Pirates out-rebounded Xavier, grabbing a back-breaking 16 offensive rebounds and beat XU with second half opportunities.

Pittsburgh 76, No. 15 Duke 62 • In Pittsburgh, Jamel Artis scored 17 points and the Panthers (20-8, 9-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) gave their NCAA Tournament hopes a needed jolt by dominating the Blue Devils (22-8, 10-6). A traditional three-point play from Rodriguez and baskets from guard Khadeen Carrington and forward Michael Nzei comprised the run. It had been outrebounded only twice in 28 games. Look for Seton Hall to get another upset win at home. Leading the way for Seton Hall was Isaiah Whitehead who had 25 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 blocks, and a steal.

The Musketeers’ rough shooting and inability to stop the Pirates from converting second-chance shots played into a 15-4 run that vaulted Seton Hall ahead by 14. Xavier will look to rebound for their senior night against Creighton.