Seton Hall’s Holloway Criticizes Big East Schedule After Recent Victory
Seton Hall’s recent victory at Butler has sparked key discussions surrounding the Big East schedule. The Pirates secured a crucial 63-56 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse, helping to keep their NCAA Tournament aspirations alive. This win marks their second consecutive victory and puts their overall record at 18-8, with an 8-7 performance in the Big East.
Holloway Criticizes Big East Scheduling
Coach Shaheen Holloway expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling format of the Big East. Following the game, he criticized the league for making his team play three games within a week in February. “It’s awful by the Big East,” Holloway stated. He emphasized the physical toll this puts on players, suggesting that it complicates preparations and practice routines.
Takeaways from the Butler Game
The victory against Butler came despite several challenges. The Bulldogs were missing key players, including Finley Bizjack, who had previously scored 25 points in a different matchup against Seton Hall. Additionally, Butler had lost their top two point guards to injury.
- AJ Staton-McCray led the Pirates with critical points in the second half, finishing with 19 points.
- Budd Clark contributed seven assists despite a struggle shooting the ball.
- Tajuan Simpkins was a surprising starter, ending the game with eight points and seven rebounds.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, Seton Hall needs to secure wins against formidable opponents to strengthen their NCAA Tournament positioning. They face a tough challenge against No. 17 St. John’s and No. 6 UConn, which will be vital for their tournament hopes. In their next matchup, the Pirates will take on DePaul, who is looking to capitalize on their recent momentum.
With the upcoming games, Holloway’s concern for player fatigue will be critical. “We got a quick turnaround,” he noted, acknowledging the need to build on their recent success. As they prepare to face DePaul at the Prudential Center, maintaining their winning streak will be paramount.
