Seton Hall 64, Villanova 62: Ray Floriani's Tempo-Free Analysis

Senior cheerleaders and coach Jean Marie Romanella honored at center court by Seton Hall women's basketball coach Tony Bozzella. (Photo courtesy of Ray Floriani)

South Orange, NJ – Battling back from a late first half ten-point deficit, Seton Hall defeated Villanova 64-62 at Walsh Gym on Sunday. The Senior Day game saw the Pirates improve to 13-3 in the Big East, while Villanova dropped to 10-6. The pace and efficiency:

Possessions: Villanova 61, Seton Hall 60

Offensive Efficiency: Seton Hall 107, Villanova 102

The Four Factors:

eFG%: Seton Hall 48, Villanova 47

FT Rate: Seton Hall 25, Villanova 13

OREB%: Villanova 32, Seton Hall 31

TO Rate: Villanova 15, Seton Hall 10

What Villanova did well: Shoot from the perimeter. They shot 30 percent from three-point range, enough to keep the Pirates from pulling away down the latter part of the second half, when Seton Hall attempted to build on a five-point lead. The 15 percent turnover rate against the Pirates' pressure was another plus.

What Seton Hall did well: Maintain poise. As coach Tony Bozzella pointed out, being down ten (late first half) is like trailing another team by 25, given Villanova’s deliberate approach. The Pirates did not panic and gradually chipped away. A total six turnovers also lended to an outstanding 10 percent turnover rate.

Leading Scorers and Offensive Efficiency:

Villanova: Taylor Holeman, 25 points (OE .636)

Seton Hall: Daisha Simmons, 22 points (OE .550)

Points in the paint: 32-12, Seton Hall. Not a surprise, as perimeter-oriented Villanova had 24 field goals on the afternoon, eight from beyond the arc and six in the lane. Seton Hall produced most of their inside conversions on dribble penetration and guards getting in the paint.

A tale of two halves: At the break Villanova led 36-28. It was a 31-possession pace, with the tempo the only thing even.

Offensive Efficiency: Villanova 116, Seton Hall 90

The second half was a complete turnaround, with better defense and offense by the Pirates.

Possessions: Villanova 30, Seton Hall 29
Offensive Efficiency: Seton Hall 124, Villanova 87

Final Thoughts
“A great game. One team won, another didn’t, but I honestly do not think we could have played any better on the defensive end.” - Villanova coach Harry Perretta

“I am proud of our seniors, four great young ladies, but I am also proud of the whole team for finding a way to win today.” – Seton Hall coach Tony Bozzella