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Big East Conference Standings
(updated 2.9.2010 at 1:12 AM EST)
| Conf | Overall | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
Syracuse Orange
|
10 | 1 | 23 | 1 |
| Villanova Wildcats | 10 | 1 | 21 | 2 |
|
West Virginia Mountaineers
|
8 | 3 | 19 | 4 |
| Pittsburgh Panthers | 7 | 4 | 18 | 6 |
|
Georgetown Hoyas
|
7 | 4 | 17 | 5 |
|
Louisville Cardinals
|
6 | 4 | 15 | 8 |
|
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
|
6 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
| Marquette Golden Eagles | 6 | 5 | 15 | 8 |
| South Florida Bulls | 5 | 6 | 15 | 8 |
| Cincinnati Bearcats | 5 | 6 | 14 | 9 |
|
Connecticut Huskies
|
4 | 6 | 14 | 9 |
| Providence Friars | 4 | 7 | 12 | 11 |
|
Seton Hall Pirates
|
3 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| St. John's Red Storm | 2 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
|
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
|
2 | 9 | 11 | 12 |
| DePaul Blue Demons | 1 | 10 | 8 | 15 |
Pirates Basketball Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Notre Dame
|
Thu 02/11 | 7:00 PM EST |
| DePaul | Sun 02/14 | 12:00 PM EST |
| @ St. John's | Wed 02/17 | 7:30 PM EST |
|
@
West Virginia
|
Sat 02/20 | 12:00 PM EST |
|
Rutgers
|
Tue 02/23 | 7:00 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
| @ Pittsburgh | Sat 02/06 | L 58 - 83 |
| @ Villanova | Tue 02/02 | L 71 - 81 |
| @ South Florida | Thu 01/28 | L 74 - 76 |
| Pittsburgh | Sun 01/24 | W 64 - 61 |
|
Louisville
|
Thu 01/21 | W 80 - 77 |
Around the Hall: Reactions, Bus Trouble, Affected Us, NCAA Hopes, NIT in Doubt
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 8, 2010 7:55 PM EST
6 comments
If you missed the Gonzo Ball initial post game thoughts regarding Pittsburgh's 83-58 thrashing of the Pirates, relive the misery that was Saturday afternoon here:
When the Pirates had opportunities, they couldn't capitalize as they missed an alarming number of layups and close put-back attempts. Between the lack of offensive execution, the lackadaisical effort on the defensive end and the lack of discipline on display, yet again, something appears to be amiss between the players and coaching staff.
The Pirates ran into some bus trouble following Saturday morning's practice and had to do a bit of walking. Maybe that will serve as an explanation for their seemingly tired legs on Saturday night. SHU Athletics provides the news in their game recap:
The teams played despite record snowfalls in the Pittsburgh area prompting Pennsylvania to declare a State of Emergency. The BIG EAST Network television crew was unable to get to the Petersen Events Center as was Evon Burroughs, one of the three game officials. Thus the game was officiated by only two.
The snow was so bad that on Seton Hall's bus ride back from their shoot-around this morning, the bus got stuck in the snow on a highway off-ramp and the team had to walk five blocks to the hotel.
All joking aside, I'm sure the bus trouble had absolutely nothing to do with the troubling play on display Saturday night. Walking five blocks in knee-deep snow shouldn't be a problem for collegiate athletes who are expected to be in the best shape of their lives. Obviously, that statement does not apply to the entire Pirates roster.
Bobby Gonzalez would address the walk in his post-game presser as reported by Pitt Athletics:
"I guess when it rains, it pours," Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez said. "Or, like they say, when it snows, it snows. We had a tough one from the beginning ... walking to the hotel in a state of emergency in the middle of the afternoon. Maybe that affected us, I don't know."
Really Bobby? Is anybody shocked by this quote following another Pirates loss? I'm surely not. If a 5-block walk really affected their play, maybe they should start jogging the hill into Livingston upon snowfall, there's another storm coming Wednesday. If it'll increase their stamina and put some life back in their legs, I don't see a problem with it.
Seton Hall pulled within 4 early in the 2nd half before Brad Wanamaker drained a deep 3PT with the shot clock expiring. The Pirates would never again get the deficit under 7 points for the remainder of the game. Adam Littman, of The Pitt-News recounts the painful details:
Right before the shot clock struck zero, Wanamaker shot a high-arching ball over a leaping Garcia who, at 6-foot-9, is five inches taller than the Pitt guard. While Wanamaker fell backward, and the shot went in to give the Panthers a 44-37 lead.
"That was a huge dagger, momentum play for Pitt," Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez said. "We played defense for 35 seconds, guarded the heck out of them."
Gonzo was right in his assessment, the defense was superb on that Pittsburgh possession. It's too bad that it was just one of the few Pittsburgh possessions that were defended with any intensity.
Tom Luicci rather optimistically weighs the Pirates chances at an NCAA Tournament berth in his latest, College Basketball Plus:
Q. Is it time to give up on Seton Hall’s NCAA Tournament hopes after Saturday’s 25-point, three-technical foul loss at Pittsburgh?Don’t be fooled by the 12-9 overall record and 3-7 mark in league play. The schedule comes back to the Pirates now — to the point where they could win seven of their final eight regular-season games if they can get on a roll. It starts Thursday with a visit by Notre Dame. After that, the Hall has DePaul, St. John’s, Rutgers (twice), Providence, Marquette and West Virginia. All but the latter are well within the Pirates’ reach before the Big East Tournament.
I can't get entirely on board with this assessment. It's tough to say all but WVU are "well within reach" when 4 of their final 8 contests are on the road and they've yet to record a victory away from The Rock. Although possible, it's rather unrealistic to believe that they'll finish 7-1. I just can't bring myself to consider home against Notre Dame and Marquette as, "well within reach" games.
The drubbing at Pittsburgh was the worst loss of the season according to Jerry Carino:
This was the Pirates’ worst loss of the season on many levels. Jeremy Hazell responded poorly to his benching, scoring just two points in 32 minutes. Pittsburgh and Jamie Dixon had an answer for Herb Pope (3-for-13) this time around. At 3-7, the wheels are getting wobbly in what was once a season of NCAA expectations. Now it’s time to wonder whether the Hall will make the NIT.
Such were my thoughts immediately following the game, as I led my post-game comments with:
After falling to USF, Villanova and Pittsburgh, the Pirates will return home licking their wounds, with a new goal for the remainder of the year. Barring a miraculous run in the Big East tournament, the Pirates will now turn their attention to fighting for an NIT bid.
Paul Tyahla of Pirate's Plank believes a post-season bid for the Pirates is in doubt:
Barring a miracle run down the stretch, this team’s NCAA Tournament dreams are extinguished, and the NIT is now in doubt. Even if the Hall holds matchup advantages in most of the individual stretch games, they have done nothing to demonstrate the ability to play consistently well, or to do the things necessary to win on the road.
The Pirates are next in action Thursday night as they return home to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 7pm.
6 comments | 0 recs |
Post-Game Thoughts: Seton Hall 58, Pittsburgh 83 as Panthers Storm Through Petersen
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 6, 2010 9:18 PM EST
9 comments
-Well, we can stop talking about what Seton Hall (12-9, 3-7) has to do to make the NCAA tournament. Pittsburgh defeated the Pirates in a laugher, 83-58, completing a 3 game road sweep that saw the Big East competition beat up on the Pirates. After falling to USF, Villanova and Pittsburgh, the Pirates will return home licking their wounds, with a new goal for the remainder of the year. Barring a miraculous run in the Big East tournament, the Pirates will now turn their attention to fighting for an NIT bid.
-Tonight, Seton Hall quit in the second half against Pittsburgh. We saw the precedent set by Gonzalez against Villanova where it was ok to give in to defeat as long as they kept the score close. Tonight, the Pirates had no intention of fulfilling the later, giving up 46 points to Pittsburgh in the second half. Defense was optional.
-Speaking of defense, the Seton Hall press was only able to turn the Panthers over 9 times, opposed to 20 times in Newark two weeks ago. There were too many defensive breakdowns to count, including an early one from Herb Pope in the first three minutes of the game, leaving McGhee wide open under the basket for a quick deuce. Maybe the loss of Keon Lawrence was more costly that any of us imagined. No question, Lawrence has been terrible offensively, but he makes a consistent effort to play tight defense, something that was certainly lacking tonight. The Panthers torched Seton Hall to a tune of 52% from the floor and 46% from long distance.
-Discipline. Jeremy Hazell responded to coming off the bench by picking up a technical foul as part of a double-technical with Jermaine Dixon, halfway through the first half. Not to be outdone, Bobby Gonzalez wouldn't let Hazell tie him in technicals accumulated for the season as Gonzo responded with one of his own halfway through the second half. Herb Pope was fouled and heading to the stripe with the Pirates trailing by 14 when Gonzalez felt it was appropriate to pick up a technical. You read that correctly. Pope was fouled and getting ready to shoot two free throws when Bobby Gonzalez iced him, picking up a T, sending Ashton Gibbs to the line to shoot a pair of free throws for Pittsburgh. After Gibbs made one-of-two, Pope would get his turn to shoot the original free throws and bricked both. Gonzalez surely knows how to hurt his team at the most inopportune times.
-Hazell's benching lasted through the start of tonight's game as he was replaced with Robert Mitchell in the starting lineup. Hazell finished with 2PTS on 1-of-7 shooting and 0-of-5 from long distance. It looks like the Gonzo/Hazell rift, is clearly affecting his play. Maybe Hazell is confused as the rest of us, following the 'Nova game, we were told he sat due to bad shot selection. The very next day we were told that it was actually due to his inability to get back on defense and his refusal to join the team in a huddle during a timeout. Jeremy led the team in minutes played (32) yet was pretty much nonexistent the entire game. It'll be interesting to hear how Gonzalez assesses his gameplay tonight.
-Herb Pope, making his homecoming in his first collegiate game in Pittsburgh, was also a non-factor. Pope finished with 9PTS/6REB/2BLK/3TO on 3-of-13 shooting before fouling out after only logging 20 minutes. As of late, Pope's shot selection has been getting increasingly worse. He's stepping further and further away from the basket, attempting 15-18 foot jumpers often trying to utilize the glass in a Duncan-esque maneuver, it's not working. Pope needs to get back to banging inside and keeping his range at around 8-10 feet.
-Eugene Harvey led the Pirates with 12PTS as he made his first start in weeks, filling in for Keon Lawrence who was left home due for personal reasons. All basketball discussion aside, we hope everything is cool with Keon.
-Melvyn Oliver got into the game in the first half when Pope left with 2PFs. Oliver contributed, well, 2PFs in 1 minute of action and that was it. The Pitt announcers described him as, "listed at 340 pounds, but he's closer to 375." Melvyn needs to get to work in an attempt to shed the pounds if he thinks he's going to make an impact in this conference.
-Ferrakohn Hall played 10 minutes and looked impressive at times, finishing with 3PTS/4REB/STL.
-Jamel Jackson provided a bit of life for the Pirates in the first half, hitting two 3PT attempts, but cooled off drastically in the 2nd half, ending the night with 11PTS on 4-of-10, 3-of-7 3PT shooting.
-Robert Mitchell contributed a very balanced effort tonight tallying 11PTS/7REB/2BLK in 25 minutes, while shooting 4-of-8 from the floor. These are the types of games we were used to Stix putting up, of course, until Gonzalez significantly cut his minutes once Big East play began.
-Gilbert Brown led the Panthers tonight with 23PTS/4REB/2AST/2STL as he shot 9-of-14 FG. Four Pittsburgh Panthers starters ended in double figures, however Nasir Robinson was held scoreless in 12 minutes played.
-Gary McGhee won the battle inside against Herb Pope as McGhee finished with 12PTS/11REB a much more complete effort than he put forth in Newark (6PTS/4REB).
-Disappointing and embarrassing won't even begin to describe the laugher in Pittsburgh as Seton Hall played lifeless basketball for the better of 20 minutes in the second half. The offense had trouble creating open shots for much of the game as Pittsburgh's defense made all the necessary adjustments I predicted they would coming off of the loss in Newark. When the Pirates had opportunities, they couldn't capitalize as they missed an alarming number of layups and close put-back attempts. Between the lack of offensive execution, the lackadaisical effort on the defensive end and the lack of discipline on display, yet again, something appears to be amiss between the players and coaching staff.
...Much more to come in tomorrow's morning after post.
9 comments | 0 recs |
Halftime Notes: Seton Hall 30, Pittsburgh 37
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 6, 2010 7:10 PM EST
2 comments
-Bobby Gonzalez's benching of Jeremy Hazell continued through the start of tonight's game. Robert Mitchell started in his place and Eugene Harvey started in place of Keon Lawrence, who didn't make the trip due to personal reasons. Apparently, Hazell took his talk with Gonzo to heart as he responded by picking up a technical, as part of a double technical with Jermaine Dixon with 6:30 remaining in the first half. He finished the half with just 2PTS on just 1-of-3 from the floor. He also added 2AST (which both came before he took his first shot attempt) and 2TO.
-Jamel Jackson is the leading scorer for the Pirates at the break, finishing with 8PTS on 3-of-5 shooting and 2-of-3 from long distance.
-The Pirates are not playing with the same defensive intensity that they displayed two weeks ago at the Rock in taking on the Panthers. Pittsburgh shot 53% from the floor in the first half and the Pirates had many defensive breakdowns throughout the first 20 minutes.
-Herb Pope, the leading rebounder in the Big East has been limited to 2PTS/2REB on 0-of-5 shooting, while picking up 2PF with 7 minutes remaining in the first half. Pope needs to get his emotions under control as he's unquestionably all fired up to play in his collegiate game in Pittsburgh. He needs to be smarter around the basket and stop taking 18 foot bank shot attempts, that's not his game.
-Melvyn Oliver made his Big East debut, playing limited minutes and not doing much of anything other than committing 2 PFS.
-The Panthers dominated the glass two weeks ago and they're off to a similiar start, out rebounding SHU, 17-12.
-Ferrakohn Hall actually got into the game for a few minutes and looked impressive on receiving an entry pass, spun and banked it off the glass.
--Seton Hall finished the half on a 6-0 run, to make the halftime deficit a little more respectable.
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Today's BIG EAST Network Broadcast of the Seton Hall Pittsburgh Game Cancelled Due to Weather
Tonight's game will not be broadcast on television. It's possible that the video feed from the Petersen Center will be broadcast online free of charge. Otherwise, it looks we're going to have to listen to Gary Cohen on the radio. All updates and links to the game will be posted on the front page as they're made available.
UPDATE 2:54PM: You can watch the video feed of the game for free by following the link below, be sure to select the, "Live Events" tab:
Seton Hall @ Pittsburgh 6PM
2 days ago
GonzoBallSHU
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Seton Hall Pirates (12-8, 3-6) @ #21 Pittsburgh Panthers (16-6, 6-4) 6:00PM Pre Game Notes
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 6, 2010 12:55 PM EST
0 comments
Seton Hall @ Pittsburgh, 6:00PM
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Television: SNY, ESPN360
Radio: 770 WABC
Online: Pirates vs. Panthers Coverage
Live game updates via Twitter: @GonzoBall
Projected Starting Five: G-Theodore, G-Lawrence, G-Hazell, F-Robinson, F/C-Pope
Losers of their last two, Seton Hall (12-8, 3-6) will attempt to salvage their three game road trip when they take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (16-6, 6-4) at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday night. The Panthers are reeling in their own right, having lost four of their last five and must beat the Pirates if they expect to remain ranked come Monday. On Wednesday, the Panthers lost handily (70-51) at West Virginia in a game that saw Pitt assistant, Tom Herrion, hit with a coin under his eye as fans threw trash (and coins) onto the court. Despite their poor play as of late, the Panthers will return home Saturday to begin a three game home-stand, where they are an impressive (11-1) on the year.
On January 24th, Seton Hall handed Pittsburgh their first true road loss of the season. At the Rock, the Pirates surprisingly presented a stout defensive game-plan in overcoming the Panthers, who they held to just 35% shooting. Despite being out rebounded by +10, the Pirates won the turnover battle at a margin of +10. Led by the physical play of Herb Pope and with Pittsburgh's poor shooting considered, the Pirates had enough to squeak out a three point victory.
Unfortunately, I don't believe tomorrow's game will come as easy for the Pirates. It's unlikely that the Panthers who shoot 44% on the year will shoot as poorly as they did two weeks ago. It's just as unlikely that the Pirates will be able to turn over the Panthers by a similar margin. College basketball is a game of adjustments, not only during in-game and halftime, but especially when you have to play a team twice. Playing twice a year is one thing, but seeing a team twice in two weeks, makes it undeniable that Jamie Dixon will have his squad better prepared this go-round.
In the first contest, Pitt's leading scorers, Gibbs and Wanamaker were held to a combined 7-of-25 shooting, while Herb Pope put forth his most memorable game of his Seton Hall career finishing with 19PTS/9REB on 8-of-12 from the floor. Saturday night will mark Pope's homecoming to Pittsburgh, a city just 20 miles from his hometown, Aliquippa. With family, friends and doubters alike scattered throughout the Petersen Events Center, Pope will unquestionably be full of emotion. Despite his struggles as of late, there's no doubt in my mind that he will be able to reproduce the beastly performance he displayed two weeks ago, breathing life into those who have counted him out over the years. Furthermore, A win tomorrow night would temporarily breathe life back into the postseason dream (which postseason is another story) for the Pirates. If they can record another upset in Pittsburgh, the Pirates will return home to face back-to-back unranked teams for the first time in conference play this season. The glories of the Big East conference.
The Panthers are a very tough out at the Petersen Events Center, SHU Athletics with their game preview:
AT THE PETERSEN EVENTS CENTER Although Pittsburgh has only been playing in the Petersen Events Center for eight years, they've taken little time in establishing a dominant home court advantage. The Panthers are 126-11 all-time in the building. Seton Hall is 1-3 at the Petersen Events Center.
In welcoming news to Pittsburgh fans, the Pirates are on a skid of their own writes Kyle Craig, of The Pitt-News:
In what might be welcome news to Panther fans, since defeating Pitt 64-61, Seton Hall has gone on a slide of its own losses, to South Florida and Villanova. Additionally, Pitt will return to the Petersen Events Center where it holds an 11-1 record this season.
Despite the snowstorm that has hammered Pittsburgh, the game will tip-off as scheduled at 6PM. As always, Let's Go Hall!
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Seton Hall @ Pittsburgh Still On Despite Snowstorm
Seton Hall and Pittsburgh will tip-off as scheduled at 6pm, despite a snowstorm that has hammered Pittsburgh. School officials are recommending only those that can walk to the game do so, while others stay home and watch on television.
2 days ago
GonzoBallSHU
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Around the Hall: Looking Forward to Pittsburgh, Skid, Pope, Bigger Tournament, Marriot, Discounted Tickets
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 5, 2010 7:36 PM EST
0 comments
The Beaver County Times with one of many Herb Pope / Aliquippa articles that will be run this weekend in the Pittsburgh papers:
He’s playing the game he loves, and he’s playing well for Seton Hall (12-8 overall, 3-6 in the Big East). Pope is one of only two Pirates to start every game this season. He’s second on the team in scoring at 12.0 points per game. He leads the Big East with 11.2 rebounds per game.
And he still dreams of playing in the NBA some day. On a recent Big East Conference call, Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez said that he gave Pope "his second and last chance." So far, Pope is making the most of it.
Many Big East coaches are welcome to a bigger post-season NCAA Tournament according to Adam Zagoria of SNY:
NCAA officials say that they are still exploring all their options regarding the Tournament and any potential expansion. That presumably includes reaching out to other potential TV partners such as FOX, CBS, NBC/Comcast and, of course, ESPN to see how they might alter the format.
Plans are underway for a Courtyard by Marriot that will be attached to the Prudential Center:
Officials said Thursday that the Courtyard by Marriott will begin construction later this year and should be completed sometime in 2012.
It will be the first new hotel in downtown Newark in nearly 40 years.
The building will be physically attached to the Prudential Center, which is home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils and the Seton Hall men's basketball team.
SHU Athletics are offering exclusive deals to followers of the team on Facebook or Twitter:
Fans will be able to buy one ticket and get a second free (maximum four purchases). Tickets are priced at $38 for the Notre Dame game and $26 for the DePaul game.
Visit the link to fill out the offer form.
Much more to come tomorrow morning in the Seton Hall @ Pittsburgh preview post.
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UPDATE: Around the Hall: Bobby Gonzalez Directly (or Indirectly) Responds to Gonzo Ball
by GonzoBallSHU on Feb 4, 2010 6:18 PM EST
0 comments
Bobby Gonzalez spoke during the Big East conference call this afternoon and directly (or indirectly) addressed my post from yesterday where I spoke on his decision to bench hazell, the refusal to foul and the minimal urgency shown in Seton Hall's last five possessions while the Pirates were trailing by double-digits.
Listen to Bobby's conference call here. The very last question, from J.P. Pelzman of the Bergen-Record asked the head coach to touch upon the benching of Hazell. Gonzalez was very adamant that there was, "a lot of confusion" out there pertaining to why he took Hazell out, insisting that Hazell was benched for not getting back on defense and refusing to join his teammates in a huddle. Bobby stated, it had nothing to do with, "waving the white flag, or quitting or giving up." Immediately after answering the Hazell question, Bobby denied the notion that he refused to foul in order to preserve a moral victory which I insinuated in yesterday's post. His reasoning baffled me and you can read his response in the quotes listed below. It sounded like Bobby was provided with a copy of my post and ran through it on the phone, objecting where he saw fit.
Jerry Carino's blog posted select quotes including:
"I didn’t take Jeremy out just because of shot selection. People think he missed some shots and I yanked him. What needs to be cleared up is Jeremy didn’t run back on defense, which is basically a cardinal sin."
This is not the same reasoning Bobby provided immediately following the game. When asked by the press why Hazell was Benched, Gonzalez ORIGINALLY replied with:
You just can’t go 1-on-5 and be putting your head down and complaining to the refs on every call and taking bad shots. It’s not good for the team, the offense, the coaching staff, it’s just not good. It’s not the way you want to play college basketball. I wouldn’t be doing a good job if I allowed him to do that — I’m not teaching him, I’m not helping him. So I took him out.
Gonzalez was pretty adamant after the game that he took Jeremy out due to poor shot selection, going 1-on-5, complaining to the refs and taking bad shots. Why the sudden 180 today? On the call, he stated over and over again that bad shot selection wasn't why he took Jeremy out and insisted it was because he didn't run back on defense. Right.
Later, during the conference call, he added:
"The other thing is you can’t stand outside of the huddle and not join your teammates in the huddle. I don’t want to call a guy out but I want to make it clear that the stuff he did was unacceptable. Those were the reasons why he didn’t go back in the game. It has nothing to do with waving he white flag or giving up."
So now, Jeremy didn't get back on defense and didn't join his teammates in the huddle, which were the reasons why he was removed. Those are definitely valid reasons to remove a player from the game, all I'm asking is, why didn't Gonzalez say this after the game? I understand not wanting to throw the player under the bus, but Bobby specifically told the media that Hazell was benched due to shot selection and taking bad shots. I don't understand how Gonzo can be angry that people are criticizing him for certain things which he specifically told the media following the game. And yes, he was angry.
Again, a player not getting back on defense or in a huddle during a timeout are reasons that any coach should remove a player for. Having said that, was this the first time Hazell, "didn't get back on defense" this season? No, just like it hasn't been the first time Jeremy took bad shots. So whatever Gonzalez wants to go with, let me be clear, we have NOT seen this coaching philosophy from him all season. He has never benched Jeremy in crunch time in the first 19 games for taking bad shots and he has never benched Jeremy in crunch time for not getting back on defense. This was a first. Again, I can get behind this coaching philosophy any day of the week, but that day better be the day the season begins, not 20 games later.
I also questioned why Gonzalez refused to foul down 13 points with 3 minutes remaining, likening the move to the the head coach waving the white flag and giving up. I alluded that Bobby was trying to preserve a moral victory by keeping the score close, not rushing their offensive possessions and refusing to send Villanova to the line. Bobby responded:
"The part about not fouling with three minutes to go, Villanova is the No. 1 free throw shooting team in the conference. It’s not a moral victory but I don’t want to from 10 points to losing by 25. It just doesn’t make sense."
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but does that statement contradict itself? I mean, he's making an out for the moral victory clause, citing Villanova shoots the best percentage in the Big East conference. Then he states it's not a moral victory, but he didn't want to go from 10 points, to losing by 25, "it just doesn't make sense." No, it doesn't make sense, what Bobby described was a dead accurate description of a moral victory. Come March, the selection committee doesn't care whether you lost by 10 or 20 to Villanova at the Pavilion, what they may care about is whether you fought until the very end.
Lastly, it's quite apparent that Bobby Gonzalez reads Gonzo Ball after listening to his conference call. The reason being, I haven't seen anyone else in the media, whether internet or print, call him out for waving the white flag, the refusal to foul/moral victory or why Seton Hall took their time on their last five possessions trailing by double-digits. Gonzo was nice enough to answer two of the three questions I posed last night, maybe next week he'll speak to why his offense took 25 seconds or more on three of their last five possessions. Although I disagree with the double-talk from Gonzalez after the game to his new stance now, it was nice of him to respond without being obligated to do so. Thanks Coach.
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