The Seton Hall Pirates (17-13, 9-10 BIG EAST) eliminated the DePaul Blue Demons (12-20, 4-15 BIG EAST) in the first round of the Big East Tournament, 71-64.
The Pirates lit up Mohegan Sun Arena with a season-high 13 made threes. Micah Gray, Azana Baines, and Savannah Catalon each made multiple, with Gray going 4-of-8. The trio combined for 46 of Seton Hall’s 71 points.
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The biggest story of the afternoon though, was the Pirates ability to completely shut down All-BIG EAST Second Teamer Anaya Peoples. She was two assists shy of a 25-point triple-double in the first matchup between these two teams. This time, she only managed four points and four turnovers, before fouling out in just 20 minutes of time on the court.
The Seton Hall defense wasn’t just putting the clamps on Peoples though. They held the Blue Demons to sub-40% splits from the field (37.9%), three (34.6%), and free throws (38.5%).
They also forced 14 turnovers and drew numerous fouls on DePaul via charges, including one that sent Peoples to the bench, permanently. Not only that, but the Pirates moved the ball around better than they have all year. They had 21 assists, another season-high, on 24 field goals.
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So how was this game so close?
Well, DePaul got a lot of offensive rebounds and were putting up a ton of shots. While their attempts weren’t falling consistently, they were able to convert them throughout the fourth quarter. At one point, the Pirates were up 15 points in the final quarter, but when DePaul shoots 42% from the field and 50% from three on 10 attempts, that’ll claw into your lead.
Thankfully for the Hall, a few well-timed misses and DePaul’s continued struggles from the charity stripe kept the win firmly within their grasp. Baines proved once again why she deserved to be an All-BIG EAST First Team member, scoring 17 points on 3-of-4 makes from downtown to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks. The All-Freshman Teamer Catalon also had a return to form. Her 13 points off the bench paired perfectly with her stifling defense on whoever DePaul threw at her.
The Pirates reward is a Quarterfinals matchup against the Creighton Bluejays for a fourth, yes a fourth, consecutive year. Every matchup thus far has been special, with the past two games both being decided by game-winning buzzer beaters.
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If history is any indication, we are in for another absolute treat. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. Ryan Johnston and Ryan Henry will be on the call, with pregame coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. on 89.5 FM WSOU.