Inside The Enemy Ship: Butler Bulldogs – Home Edition

Welcome to the the latest edition of Inside the Enemy Ship, your exclusive look into the upcoming Seton Hall game through the lenses on the opponnet! This time, we have had the pleasure of talking to Grant Anschuetz! Check below for what he thinks about the upcoming game! [EDITOR’S NOTE: The following interview took place before #1 Villanova was upset by Marquette late last night, hence why they are referred to as undefeated in the interview]

BBA: What do you think of the team’s 17-3 record and #11 national ranking? Does it accurately reflect the team?
Anschuetz: Overall, I would say it does accurately reflect this team. Butler has proven time and time again this year they can win against solid opponents. They are 5-1 against ranked teams this year, including wins over Arizona and Villanova.

BBA: How did it feel going into overtime against DePaul after two straight wins?
Anschuetz: That game was the epitome of the saying that there are no off games in a conference like the Big East. The Bulldogs got off to such a poor start in the first half that I think there was a feeling of relief to make it to overtime and have a fresh five minutes after trailing for the majority of the game.

BBA: Who do you consider Butler’s biggest Big East rival?
Anschuetz: To me, Butler’s biggest Big East rival is Xavier. That answer is solely based off of how hostile the arena becomes whenever those two teams hit the floor, especially between fans.

BBA: Do you think the Big East has been a good home for Butler compared to the Horizon League?
Anschuetz: Yes. Although the change has led to tougher competition, the national exposure and ability to attract higher ranked recruits is a positive thing for the program.

BBA: How far do you now expect Butler to go into the NCAA Tournament?
Anschuetz: In this year’s NCAA Tournament, I believe Butler can realistically make it to the Elite Eight. With that being said, based on 2010-2011, a trip to the National Championship is not out of the question.

BBA: After last season’s early exit during the Big East tournament, what do you see the Bulldogs doing this year?
Anschuetz: I could see Butler making it at least one more round deeper into the Big East tournament. It is always hard to predict how hot a team is going to be down the stretch, but they should make it farther than last year.

BBA: Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham played huge roles in making sure that Butler was the only Big East team that Seton Hall didn’t beat last season. Who is going to fill their roles?
Anschuetz: Kelan Martin, Kamar Baldwin and Kethan Savage have all performed well for the Bulldogs as of late. Senior Andrew Chrabascz is a crafty player down low and is also a great facilitator.

BBA: Which player should the Seton Hall Pirates be the most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
Anschuetz: The Pirates should be most worried about Kamar Baldwin. Specifically, the guards for Seton Hall because Baldwin is known for making big steals in big moments. His defensive presence is just as strong as his offensive presence.

BBA: Who do you consider the biggest challenge to Nova in the Big East this season? How about nationally? Butler is still the only team to beat them so far!*
Anschuetz:The biggest challenge to Villanova before the injury to Maurice Watson was Creighton. Now, I have to go with Butler since they are the highest ranked Big East team who has beaten them.

BBA: Which teams from the Big East will ultimately end up making the NCAA tournament?
Anschuetz: From the Big East, I believe Villanova, Butler, Creighton are basically locks at this point. Marquette, Xavier and Seton Hall all have a realistic chance to make it.

BBA: Final Score Prediction for the upcoming game?
Anschuetz: Final Score Prediction = Butler 72 Seton Hall 65

Once again, thanks to our new friend Grant Anschuetz for taking the time to talk to us! He can be found on twitter @Granschuetz and on Slump Sports!

Tip-off is tonight at The Rock at 8:30 PM! If you can’t make it there in person, it will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Be sure to check by later for the game recap, and as always Go Pirates and Hazard Zet Forward!

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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.

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Pirates Take Down Rebels

Photo Provided Courtesy Of Madeline Wilson

The Seton Hall Pirates took on Ole Miss on Sunday in the 5th place game of the Gildan Charleston Classic. The Pirates finished the tournament strong with a 75-63 win over the Ole Miss Rebels. The Pirates improved to 4-1 on the season while Ole Miss fell to 3-2.

The game was very tight in the first half. The largest lead in the first half was 4 points, which was held by each team at one point. In the first half, the Pirates were led by Isaiah Whitehead, Khadeen Carrington, and Desi Rodriguez who each had 5 points. For the Rebels, Sam Finley and Tomasz Gielo each had 7 points in the 1st half. At the end of the first half the score was Ole Miss 31, Seton Hall 30.

The second half started off slowly for both squads. Neither one started to pull away until Isaiah Whitehead hit a 3 pointer to give Seton Hall an 8 point lead with 9:49 remaining in the game. Another Isaiah Whitehead 3 with 8:18 to go put the Hall up 10 and they would never look back. Ultimately, the Pirates would secure a 75-63 win and 5th place in the Gildan Charleston Classic.

The Pirates were led by Isaiah Whitehead who posted 17 points and 5 assists. Of Whitehead’s 17 points, 12 came in the second half. Desi Rodriguez chipped in 12 points and Angel Delgado added 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. For the Rebels, Tomasz Gielo posted 15 points and 5 rebounds. Stefan Moody added 13 points and Marcanvis Hymon grabbed 9 rebounds. Stefan Moody was coming off of a 30 point game and Seton Hall did a great job at minimizing his opportunities.

With the win, the Pirates improved to 4-1. They will return home on Saturday, November 28 to take on the University of Georgia at the Prudential Center. Ole Miss falls to 3-2 and will take on Georgia State in Oxford on Wednesday.

We will have full coverage of the game, as well as a recap after the game. Check out the PPI of each Pirate player below. Until next time, Hazard Zet Forward.

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Pirates Fall to 49ers

Photo Provided Courtesy Of Madeline Wilson

The Seton Hall Pirates are down in Charleston, South Carolina for the Gildan Charleston Classic. The Pirates first round opponent was the Long Beach State 49ers. The Pirates and 49ers both came in with records of 2-0. However, Long Beach State would be the one who improved to 3-0 on the season with an 80-77 win.

The Pirates came out strong and built an 11-6 lead less than 5 minutes into the game. This would be the Pirates largest lead of the game, and they would be playing catch up for the rest of the night. At the end of the first half, Long Beach State held a 46-39 lead. The Pirates were led by Desi Rodriguez with 9 points in the 1st half. The 49ers were paced by Nick Faust with 11 points and Roschon Prince with 10. Prince also added 5 rebounds.

The second half did not start well for the Pirates. Long Beach State extended their lead to 16 at the midpoint of the 2nd half. The Pirates fought back though to cut the lead to 1 with 9 seconds left in the game. This was highlighted by a Khadeen Carrington 3 pointer and a beautiful shot in traffic by Isaiah Whitehead. After Long Beach State hit 2 free throws to make the score 80-77, Carrington had another look at a 3 to tie the game, but it came up short.

The Pirates were led by Isaiah Whitehead who had 21 points and 4 assists. Ismael Sanogo led the Pirates with 10 rebounds. Khadeen Carrington also added 15 points for the Hall. Long Beach State was paced by Nick Faust who scored 16 points. Travis Hammond added 14 points and Roschon Prince chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds.

This was a missed opportunity for the Pirates (2-1) as they would have had a chance to beat a ranked team (Virginia) in the second round. The Pirates will instead face Bradley (1-2) today at 7 P.M. Long Beach State moves on to take on Virginia in the semi-finals.

We will have coverage of the game against Bradley, with a full recap to follow. Until then, Hazard Zet Forward.

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