Seton Hall makes statement in WBIT opener, locks down Quinnipiac

By Ray Floriani (@rfloriani)

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — Initially, there was disappointment.

Seton Hall hoped to hear its name announced on Selection Sunday. Coach Tony Bozzella felt everything was in order, with 22 wins, a third-place finish in a very competitive Big East Conference, a sweep of conference rival St. John’s, and a non-league slate featuring meetings with USC and LSU. In the end, however, the Pirates were not among the field of 68.

There are teams who let the letdown get to them, both mentally and physically. As a result, they are ill-prepared for a tournament bid that might come their way. Not so with Bozzella’s group.

The evidence went beyond Seton Hall’s 57-40 win over Quinnipiac in the WBIT opening round Thursday at Walsh Gymnasium. The proof was how the Pirates played energized and focused, especially on the defensive end.

Quinnipiac trailed 17-7 following the first period. The

Bobcats hit just two field goals and were forced to play from behind all night. For the game, they shot just 30 percent from the field.

“We didn’t play offense the way we can,” said Quinnipiac’s Jackie Grisdale, who paced the Bobcats with 15 points. “But I credit Seton Hall also. Their pressure on the ball was outstanding and face it, you do not win games scoring 40 points.”

Bozzella seconded the assessment, crediting his staff and citing the play of Amari Wright.

“Our coaching staff and scouts did an amazing job,” Bozzella said. “She’s the best defensive guard in the Big East, maybe the country. She did an excellent job on (Gal) Raviv, who is an outstanding point

guard.”

On the night, Raviv finished with a relatively quiet six points, two assists and three turnovers. Given its offensive struggles, Quinnipiac still competed. A 7-0 run late in the second period cut the Seton Hall lead to six points at intermission. Quinnipiac scored to open the third period, cutting the deficit to four points. The Hall then went on a 13-4 run to gain separation and never look back.

“We had looks,” Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri said. “Credit Seton Hall, their effort made it extremely difficult for us to put the ball in the basket.”

There was a hint leading up to this game that the Pirates were ready.

“We had a week of good practices where we shared the ball very well,” Bozzella shared. “(Thursday), we were able to do that.”

Points of Emphasis

Assist from Holloway: “I give Shaheen a lot of credit,” Bozzella praised. “He spoke to me at length and told me some keys because last year, they were disappointed and this year, we were disappointed. We want to move forward and relish the WBIT and the opportunity to play. It is a great tournament and it is just so well-run.”

Quinnipiac came in following a loss to Fairfield in the MAAC tournament championship game. Prior to that, the Bobcats won 12 straight dating back to February 1. Included was an early March win over Fairfield, snapping the Stags 42-game win streak in MAAC play.

“From the summer to what we were able to build, you can see talent and ability to have the year we had,” Fabbri said. “ mEvery day was a ton of fun to be around them. At the moment, this doesn’t feel great, but we will reflect on the season we had. The cohesion of this team was second to none.”

WBIT: Legendary Marist coach Brian Giorgis, a member of the WBIT committee, was on hand. During the season, Giorgis stays in close contact with several conferences, familiarizing himself with their teams’ progress, in order to make recommendations for the field. Giorgis feels the WBIT gives more teams, postseason opportunities. He commented on the WBIT, saying, “I think it’s fabulous. You look at the first round of games and there’s some great games.”

Love for the MAAC: Bozzella coached 11 years at Iona. These days, he faces Big East competition, but still maintains an admiration and respect for the MAAC.

“I am still friends with a lot of the coaches and I feel 

 the MAAC is one of the best conferences in the country,” he said. “I mean, Quinnipiac is an outstanding team. Look at some of their wins this year. You look at leagues, you have to look at players. The MAAC has tremendous post players and guards. Fairfield can play anyone in the country, Siena has a new coach and is doing well, Iona with my former point guard (Ang Szumilo) is going to do well. It’s a tough conference. Try to play at both Niagara and Canisius on a weekend. No one understands the MAAC until you go on a road trip.”

Seton Hall will host Portland in the second round of the WBIT on Sunday. On Thursday, Portland eliminated Stanford, in overtime, 69-68.