Villanova 87, Seton Hall 52: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - Senior Day is always a special event.

We collectively honor the seniors as they appear for their final home game, a time of mixed emotions. We remember those wonderful moments they provided us from a four-year stretch that seemed to fly by. On the other side, we are sad to see them go. The realization of this being their final appearance on the home floor is a reality that can bring an extent of sadness.

Seton Hall hosted Senior Day on Sunday at Walsh Gymnasium. The Pirates bid adieu to Tara Inman, Kathleen Egan, and Lubirdia Gordon. Coach Tony Bozzella naturally paid tribute to his seniors, also acknowledging the contributions of his senior manager and members of the band, cheerleaders and Sapphire dance team appearing for their final time at Walsh. The game itself saw visiting Villanova lead virtually from tip to buzzer in an 87-52 rout. The Wildcats, running on all cylinders as of late, played a near-flawless game on both ends of the floor. Coach Harry Perretta’s club is hitting a groove at the right time of year.

It was another setback for Seton Hall, a team at this late juncture still searching for some consistency. After the flowers were handed out and well-wishing ended, the realization for Seton Hall was that consistency will have to be found on the road, as time is running out on the season. The result, though, did not diminish the significance of the day for Seton Hall, honoring their seniors. The outpouring of gratitude and appreciation always shines through.

Head coach Tony Bozzella with seniors Lubirdia Gordon, Kathleen Egan, and Tara Inman, as well as their families:

Seton Hall also paid tribute to its senior band, cheer squad and dance team members:

Official Joe Vaszily readies for the opening tip:

Villanova, executing head coach Harry Perretta's trademark motion offense:

Villanova's Alex Louin looks over her options:

Seton Hall's JaQuan Jackson searches for room to penetrate:

Tony Bozzella and Harry Perretta exchanging postgame pleasantries:

Harry Perretta sums up the win in Big East Digital Network sideline reporter John Fanta's final postgame interview at Walsh this season: