Inside The Enemy Ship: Creighton Bluejays

Welcome to another issue of “Inside The Enemy Ship”! Later today, the Seton Hall Pirates host the Creighton Bluejays, and who better to talk to about the game than someone who writes for their student newspaper The Creightonian (which suprisingly has a solid 73 years on our beloved Setonian)? We had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Robinson about his thoughts on the upcoming Big East Conference game!

BBA: When Creighton’s season started, where did you see the team going?
ROBINSON: The men’s basketball media guide listed Creighton with only one returning starter (sophomore Toby Hegner), but others such as Isaiah Zierden, James Milliken and Geoffrey Groselle each played meaningful minutes for the Bluejays last season and transfers Maurice Watson Jr. and Cole Huff also played significant roles at their previous schools. Quite a few people didn’t know how well Watson would handle the offense after three years with Austin Chatman at the controls, but after an interview with Watson at media day in late October, I quickly realized that this Creighton team was going to go as far as Watson was willing to take it.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s (as of time of writing) 11-5 record?
ROBINSON: Creighton had opportunities against Arizona State and Loyola to pick up two more victories than they have, but overall I think their record is right about where I would expect it to be based on the way the Bluejays have played. Offensively they have so many different weapons and Watson does a great job of distributing the ball and also knows when to take more shots to help his team to a victory. Defense has definitely been the weak spot of Creighton’s game. Although the Jays rank near the top of the Division I rankings in scoring offense, they are at the bottom of the Big East in scoring defense. Creighton’s last game against Georgetown was one of the first times I’ve seen the Bluejays get stops when they needed to.

BBA: Do you expect the Bluejays to make the NCAA Tournament?
ROBINSON: As much as I want to say yes, I still think Creighton is one year away from the NCAA Tournament. After finishing 9-4 in the nonconference schedule without a true signature win I believe the Jays would need to finish the Big East slate at least 12-6 and win one or two at MSG to even get a chance at an at-large bid. I’m not saying that’s impossible or that they couldn’t pull out a Big East Tournament title for the automatic bid, but I don’t expect them to qualify for March Madness. Creighton has only two seniors on its roster (Milliken and Groselle) and adds Kansas State-transfer Marcus Foster to its offensive attack next season, so I think the Bluejays have more of a legit shot at making the dance in 2017.

BBA: Do you think the Big East is a good fit for Creighton?
ROBINSON: Creighton’s first year in the Big East with Doug McDermott, Ethan Wragge, Grant Gibbs and Jahenns Manigat was a great season to start its journey in the conference, but I think last season’s struggles proved that things are a little tougher in the Big East compared to the Missouri Valley. I think that with the CenturyLink Center, the Championship Center, D.J. Sokol Arena and TD Ameritrade Park, Creighton facilities are some of the best in the country and I believe that has and will give us an advantage when attracting recruits to come to Omaha. While the travel to the east coast isn’t as easy as taking a bus to Des Moines or Wichita, I think the move was very appropriate and definitely helps put Creighton on the map.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s 2013 team makeover, such as the new logo and jerseys?
ROBINSON: With the move to the Big East it was much needed. The new logo and jerseys just showed that Creighton was willing to go all-in. The newness and freshness has definitely worn off and there was a lot of hype about the changes immediately after they happened, but now they have just become a part of the Creighton culture.

BBA: What do you think of HC Greg McDermott? What has been his biggest contribution to the program?
ROBINSON: I think Greg McDermott does a great job as head coach. He knows how to make adjustments and work with the personal he has. McDermott is also aware of how much Creighton basketball means not only to Bluejay fans but also to the Omaha community.

BBA: What player should Seton Hall be most worried about meeting on the court?
ROBINSON: You probably want me to say Maurice Watson Jr.. He did go off for a career-high 27 against Georgetown and has embraced his role as a leader in his first season in a Bluejay uniform. But I’m going to say Isaiah Zierden. He leads the Big East with 39 3-pointers made and has the third-most steals. There have been a couple of games where he struggled to shoot it from beyond the arc, but he’s still one of the first people Watson looks for on the perimeter. On defense, coach McDermott consistently praises him for his ability to be in the right spot at the right time. He may not be the most athletic or wow you with his pure skills, but he’s a smart player on both offense and defense.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
ROBINSON: 83-78 Creighton

Once again a huge thank you to Anthony Robinson for taking the time to talk to us. Robinson can be found online at The Creightonian (@sports_cu) and at his personal Twitter account at @ARobinson_. Tip-off is 2 PM at The Rock, but until then, Hazard Zet Forward!

0 Comments Leave a comment

Pirates Fall in Philly

Photo Provided Courtesy Of Madeline Wilson

The Seton Hall Pirates were back in action on Wednesday as they traveled to Philadelphia to take on the Wildcats of Villanova. We were lucky enough to talk to Larry Flynn who is a junior at Villanova and writes for their newspaper, The Villanovan. He was kind enough to give us some insight on the Wildcats and offered his thoughts on the game. You can read the preview in our previous post. You can follow Larry on twitter @LFlynn_NBANOVA. Though the Pirates fought hard throughout this game, the Wildcats came away with the win 72-63.

The first half was a very defensive affair. The Pirates and Wildcats were both off on the offensive end. The game was very close until Kris Jenkins hit a three pointer with 6:38 left in the first half. From there the Wildcats would increase their lead to as much as 11 in the first half. Kris Jenkins was the player that Larry Flynn told us to watch for in this one. Overall, both teams were sloppy on the offensive end in the first half. The two teams combined to commit 16 turnovers in the first half. At the end of the first half the Wildcats were on top 30-23. The 23 points were the lowest first half score of the season for the Pirates.

The Wildcats were led by Daniel Ochefu with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Kris Jenkins added 6 points and Josh Hart added 5 rebounds. The Pirates were led by Derrick Gordon with 4 points and 3 rebounds as well as 2 assists. Isaiah Whitehead chipped in 5 points in the half for the Hall.

The second half was when both teams finally got going offensively. The Wildcats came out hot and scored the first 6 points of the half to push the lead to 13. Daniel Ochefu, Josh Hart, and Ryan Arcidiacono each had a bucket in that early spurt. The headline of the second half was so close, yet so far away. The Pirates cut the lead down on numerous occasions but would never take the lead in the second half. The best chance came around the 11:45 mark of the second half. A three pointer from Veer Singh brought the Pirates to within 2 points. Villanova responded and increased the lead to 7 before the Pirates would cut it to 3. Isaiah Whitehead and Khadeen Carrington were the catalysts.

The inside play of Daniel Ochefu proved to be too much for the Pirates. Down the stretch the Wildcats would open up the lead to as much as 15, ultimately winning by a 9 point margin. Daniel Ochefu was a big mismatch for Angel Delgado all night long. The Pirates gave up many second chance points and it came back to bite them. The Wildcats came out of this one with a 72-63 win over the Pirates.

Daniel Ochefu led the Wildcats in the win tonight. The senior had a huge game with 20 points and 18 rebounds. Josh Hart had a great game as well with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Larry Flynn told us that Hart was the most complete player on this Villanova team. Kris Jenkins posted 11 points and 6 boards. Ryan Arcidiacono chipped in 11 points for the Wildcats.

The Pirates were led by Derrick Gordon who played his most complete game of the season. The transfer from UMASS posted 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. Isaiah Whitehead would score 20 in a losing effort for the Pirates. Khadeen Carrington added 14 points and 4 rebounds. Angel Delgado chipped in 6 boards, his double double streak is over after tonight.

With the victory the Wildcats improve to 13-2 on the season and 3-0 in Big East play. The Wildcats now sit alone atop the conference. With the defeat the Pirates drop to 12-3 on the season and 2-1 in Big East play. The Wildcats will head to Indianapolis on Sunday to take on the Butler Bulldogs. The Pirates will head home to take on Creighton on Saturday at the Prudential Center.

We would like to give a big thank you to Larry Flynn for his insight on Villanova basketball. He is a great journalist and is well worth a follow on twitter. Go and check out his stuff! Check out the PPI below to see which players excelled in this loss to Villanova.

We will have a full recap and coverage of the game on Saturday against Creighton. Until then, Hazard Zet Forward.

0 Comments Leave a comment

Inside the Enemy Ship: Villanova Wildcats

Welcome the latest edition of “Inside the Enemy Ship”! Later today, the Seton Hall Pirates will be at the Pavilion taking on the Villanova Wildcats. With several notable games being played between these two teams in the past few seasons, this date has been circled on the calendar of countless Seton Hall fans since it was first announced. For this edition, we had the pleasure of talking to Larry Flynn, a Junior at Villanova who writes for their newspaper, The Villanovan.

BBA: When the season started, where did you see the Wildcats’ season going?
FLYNN: The Wildcats lost some veteran leadership in the departures of seniors Darrun Hilliard and JayVaughn Pinkston, and I expected it to show early. Although Villanova added the talent of Jalen Brunson and would see role players like Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins step into starting jobs, I thought they would endure some growing pains early. Then, against either Oklahoma or Virginia, I thought the Wildcats would finally reassert their dominance as an elite team in the NCAA and secure a critical win against a top-10 team. Then, they would find their stride entering conference play and once against dominate the Big East. As you can see, I was both right and wrong depending on the topic. I also thought this team was set to improve defensively. Several players told me before the season that their training camp was focused on the defensive end. They did, however, recognize that it would be harder to rebound the ball, something which has been an ongoing issue for the Wildcats and could hurt them against the tenacious rebounding of Seton Hall.

BBA: What do you think of the teams (as of writing) 12-2 record
FLYNN: Villanova may have, uncharacteristically, a “2” in the loss column following non-conference play, but this team is comfortable where it is right now. The Wildcats received a much-needed wake-up call courtesy of Oklahoma, and lost a close game on the road against a top-3 ACC team. Instead of coasting through non-conference games like they did last season, Villanova is finally battle-tested heading into conference play. That being said, the Wildcats have only won one significant game against an elite team. And this one game has an asterisk, in some people’s minds. Last week, #6 ranked Xavier traveled to the Pavilion looking to take away the Big East Champions crown but, instead, watched Edmond Sumner leave the game on a stretcher.

BBA: Beside St. Joseph’s University, who would you consider Nova’s biggest rival?
FLYNN: Although St. Joe’s has the geographic rivalry, Villanova’s biggest rival will always be the Georgetown Hoyas. It’s an interesting rivalry, dating back to 1985 when the Wildcats played “The Perfect Game” and, led by Ed Pickney, shocked the world with an upset win over Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas. Today, the rivalry is interesting; instead of true hate for each other’s programs (like Red Sox-Yankees in baseball), the Wildcats and Hoyas have a mutual understanding that they need one another to perform at a high level for the conference to emerge successful as a whole.

BBA: If #6 Xavier didn’t lose Edmond Sumner early in the game, do you the outcome would have still been the same?
FLYNN:Yes. There is no way that Xavier, or any team, could’ve beaten Villanova that night. Check out these shooting splits for the Wildcats:
FG%: 63%
3FG%: 52%
FT %: 91%
Some would say that Sumner would’ve been able to quiet Villanova’s 19-5 run, but I’m not so sure. In the first two possessions of the game, the Wildcats attacked the rim with a layup for Ryan Arcidiacono and a post touch and finish from Daniel Ochefu. When the Wildcats attack the rim early instead of settling for three-pointers, it is very hard to stop Villanova. That being said, Sumner would have made the game closer. The Musketeers committed an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers and some of this damage would have certainly been diminished if their primary playmaker were healthy.

BBA: Does the Big East Conference belong to Villanova?
FLYNN: Before the Xavier game, everyone was ready to crown the Musketeers the “top dog” in the Big East. But, as I kept saying, the Big East is Villanova’s to lose. There has to be another team which is able to both consistently beat Villanova and beat the rest of their Big East opponents in order to say the conference isn’t in the hands of the Wildcats. Creighton was the closest to “dethrone” Villanova two years ago by beating them twice during conference play. Since then, no other team has swept the season series during conference play. Although, yes, Seton Hall and especially your old friend Sterling Gibbs has given Villanova consistent trouble the last few years.

BBA: Which player should the Seton Hall Pirates be the most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
FLYNN: I’m going to go out on a limb and say Kris Jenkins. Sure, Daniel Ochefu has the size, but so does Angel Delgado. Yes, Josh Hart has the most complete offensive game, but he’ll go toe-to-toe with Isaiah Whitehead. But for Seton Hall defenders who can be a bit jumpy at times, the lethal pumpfake of Kris Jenkins is going to give Kevin Willard nightmares. The Pirates will need to stay disciplined defensively, especially when the Wildcats swing the ball to the weak side where Jenkins thrives on moving to the open space and making defenders pay.

BBA: Do Nova fans consider their games against Seton Hall anything special?
FLYNN: Most Villanova fans I’ve spoken with do not consider Seton Hall games a “rivalry game,” except for their obvious connection as fellow Big East opponent. These two teams, however, have an interesting relationship in their geographic proximity; a majority of students at Villanova are either from New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania. Therefore, these winter-break matchups between the Pirates and the Wildcats are a terrific way to bring these two fan bases together. Expect to see some Seton Hall fans at the Pavilion Wednesday night.

BBA: How far do you now expect Nova to go into the NCAA Tournament?
FLYNN: “They may have floundered in the NCAA Tournament the past two years, but much of the Villanova faithful are confident that this team has a higher ceiling than in years past. The playmaking of Jalen Brunson, the length of Mikal Bridges, and the post game of Daniel Ochefu are all key ingredients which, fans hope, can propel the Wildcats back into the Final Four. It all comes down to consistency for the Wildcats. Which team will show up the first weekend in March, the sloppy, emotionless one we saw against Oklahoma or the dominant, assertive team that annihilated Xavier? If the Wildcats attack the basket, lock down the perimeter, and remain focused on the glass for 40 minutes, I could see this team making it to the Elite Eight. Realistically, a Sweet Sixteen birth sounds appropriate.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
FLYNN: Villanova wins, 80-68

Larry Flynn is a junior English major at Villanova University. Follow him on Twitter @LFlynn_NBANOVA. Be sure to watch the game on FS1 at 7 PM tonight. As always, Hazard Zet Forward.

0 Comments Leave a comment

Pirates Squeak Out A Win Over DePaul

Photo Provided Courtesy Of Madeline Wilson

The Seton Hall Pirates opened their home Big East slate today with a contest against the DePaul Blue Demons. We talked to Ben Gartland before the game. Gartland writes for the DePaulia and is a great journalist and a worthwhile follow on twitter @BenG_Sports. Ben gave us some great insight on the Blue Demons and his recap of the game can be seen here DePaul Recap vs Seton Hall.

The Pirates came out hot to start the game. The Pirates held a lead as large as 10 points in the first half. Desi Rodriguez was a spark plug early on. In addition to a big three pointer, he stole a pass and threw down a one handed slam. DePaul battled back and tied the game on two occasions. Turnovers and chippy play were two standouts of the first half. The refs swallowed their whistles and let the players bang around inside. Billy Garrett Jr. struggled early on in the half but was the go to guy down the stretch for DePaul. Ultimately the Pirates took a one point lead into the locker room. The Pirates led 35-34 after the first half.

The Pirates were led by Desi Rodriguez and Khadeen Carrington who each had 7 points. Angel Delgado had 6 rebounds and Isaiah Whitehead had 4 assists for the Hall. The Blue Demons of DePaul were led by Billy Garrett Jr. who posted 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Tommy Hamilton IV led the Blue Demons on the boards with 6 rebounds.

The second half was a very tightly contested affair. The Blue Demons came out strong and took the lead right off the tip with a three from Aaron Simpson. After a layup from Angel Delgado tied the game, the Blue Demons immediately retook the lead with two free throws from Billy Garrett Jr.. From there the Pirates hold the lead to the end of the game. The game was not without drama though. With less than 1 second remaining in the game, Derrick Gordon fouled Billy Garrett Jr. taking a three pointer. This sent Garrett Jr. to the line with a chance to tie the game. He would make 1 of 3 and the Pirates would escape with a 78-74 victory.

The Blue Demons were led by Billy Garrett Jr. who had 20 points and 8 assists. Myke Henry added 15 points and 9 rebounds. Rashaun Stimage chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds, and Tommy Hamilton IV added 8 rebounds. The Pirates were led by Isaiah Whitehead with 18 points and 9 assists. Khadeen Carrington and Ismael Sanogo each had good games with 14 and 10 points, respectively. Angel Delgado posted his 7th straight double double. He had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Desi Rodriguez was benched for a good part of the game, that will be something to keep track of going forward.

With the loss the Blue Demons drop to 6-8 on the season and 0-2 in Big East play. The Pirates remain undefeated at home with the win. The Hall improves to 12-2 on the season and 2-0 in Big East play. The Blue Demons will head home to take on Butler on Tuesday. The Pirates will head to Philadelphia to take on Villanova on Wednesday.

Again a big thank you goes out to Ben Gartland for his wealth of information on DePaul basketball. Give him a follow on twitter and check out his article! Check out the PPI below to see which Pirates performed the best today. We will have full coverage of the Villanova game on Wednesday. Until then, Hazard Zet Forward.

0 Comments Leave a comment