Bozzella vindicated by Seton Hall's inspired showing in Big East opener

Tony Bozzella addresses media following Seton Hall's win Sunday in Big East opener. (Photo by Ray Floriani/Daly Dose Of Hoops)

By Ray Floriani (@rfloriani)

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ --  After last season’s loss to Saint Joseph’s in the first round of the WNIT last March, Tony Bozzella frequently described Seton Hall’s season as unacceptable, not only in the Pirates’ 15-16 record, but also for how the team performed -- or failed to perform -- especially in conference play. Bozzella, ever the competitor, fiercely vowed this season would be different.

Entering Big East Conference play at 8-3, Seton Hall put further distance between last year’s struggles in its league opener Sunday, defeating St. John’s, 77-67, at Walsh Gymnasium.

Those looking at the half-empty part of the glass can point out that last season, the Hall began conference play the same way, defeating St.John’s at home. Bozzella sees more than that.

“Maturity,” he said, following the satisfying victory. “We are a more mature team than a year ago. Last season, this is a game we might well have lost.”

St. John’s led by six after one period. With just over eight minutes to go in the first half, the lead was eight points, and coach Joe Tartamella’s group threatened to open it up. The Pirates closed strong, trailing by just one at intermission. The third quarter saw Seton Hall come out equally as determined, taking the lead and building on it, leading by as much as 13 in the final stanza as St.John’s failed to answer with a run of its own.

What was especially pleasing to Bozzella was a 22-10 edge in transition scoring and a 16-5 advantage in second chance points.

“That’s who we are,” he said. “We like to push the ball up the floor and play aggressive.”

Several times after Seton Hall converted a steal into a layup, Bozzella rose off the bench and pumped his fist in the air. The energy shown by this Pirate group was indeed infectious. While Inja Butina led the scorers with 19 points, Nicole Jimenez turned in an impressive performance of her own. The senior guard scored 16 points, but most importantly had four assists against one turnover, and five steals that turned into transition runouts.

Seton Hall will take to the road for its next two conference contests, visiting Butler and Creighton.

“It’s early,” Bozzella said of the dawn of conference play. “But today was important, as you always want to protect your house.”

The result of this opener was the same as last year, a home victory, but that is where the similarity ends.

“At times, this was an ugly game,” Bozzella said. “The two teams were going through the process of feeling each other out. The important thing is we were able to find a way to win. That’s validation.”