Seton Hall Update, Vol. III

The Pirates won a tough one against South Florida last night in Tampa. This was a big win for several reasons. First of all, it insures Seton Hall of a winning record this season, making them eligible for the NIT. Next, it moved them one giant step closer to qualifying for the Big East Tournament. Six conference wins may even be enough to qualify when the dust settles on the Big East regular season. Finally, the win in Tampa protects the Pirates outstanding RPI (#27). A loss to South Florida, languishing in the low 200's, would have been devestating to Seton Hall. Their impressive RPI and current six game winning streak has them poised to make a run at an NCAA Tournament bid.

With seven games left, The Hall still has lots of opportunity to accomplish more this season. They have an opportunity to show what they are made of when Conneticut and West Virginia come calling. There would be no shame in a loss to Conneticut, but now that they are getting serious national attention (RPI and AP poll), they need to prove they are worth the hype. A respectable loss is the very least they need against Conneticut. A real close game, or (dare I hope) a win would be a tremendous boost. The West Virginia game is now looking not only like a game the Pirates can win, but perhaps should win on their home court. Certainly, a win would vindicate their surprisingly high RPI.

Assuming that they come back to earth somewhat, and lose to Conneticut and West Virginia, the Pirates still have a very good shot at the NCAA Tournament. With St. John's, DePaul, and Notre Dame on the schedule, it is very foreseeable that the Hall could finish up the regular season no worse than 18-10, 9-7. That alone should be enough to get the selection committees attention. Any additional wins in the Big East Tournament would likely only serve to elevate thier seeding.