In what felt like a must-win game, Seton Hall Basketball overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat Penn State.
After scheduling issues forced the Pirates to travel to four different states in six days, Seton Hall Basketball came into the game 1-3 following losses to Rhode Island and Oregon. Even though it is early in the season, the final game of the Pirates road trip felt like a must-win if the team was hoping to end up in their fifth straight NCAA tournament.
The difference between 2-3 and 1-4 in your first five games is extremely different, especially when you play in a conference as tough as the Big East.
Early in the game, the Pirates fell behind by 19 points and the Nittany Lions took control of the game. Slowly, Seton Hall chipped away at the lead and found themselves within striking distance by the end of the half. Only toward the end of the second half and in overtime were the Pirates able to take sole possession of the lead. Including the overtime period, Seton Hall only led for two minutes and seventeen seconds the entire game.
Penn State is a strong team and this game certainly benefits Seton Hall more than it hurts the Nittany Lions. The Pirates finish up their out-of-conference schedule this week against Wagner and if everything goes well they will move into conference play at 3-3 even after losing starting point guard Bryce Aiken in the early minutes of their first game.
Focusing on this game, the team stole a necessary win but can certainly build on two major aspects if they want long term success moving forward.