Super sophomore Desi Rodriguez helped get the Seton Hall NCAA Tournament resume stapled, numbered, and turned in on time as he went off for a career high 27 points as the Pirates knocked off No. 5 Xavier, 90-81.
Every time the Musketeers tried to make a second half rally, which was often actually, it seemed like Rodriguez was there to knock down a bucket and bring Seton Hall right back into control while squashing what spirits Xavier may have had left.
Fellow sophomore, Isaiah Whitehead, did his part as well, particularly by knocking down this ridiculous shot right after nearly committing his ninth turnover of the game.
The win was by far the most impressive of the season, and particularly important for head coach Kevin Willard, who mentioned to reporters that he knew his athletic director could have easily fired him a year ago, but his promise that the wins would come in this season is showing its truth.
Seton Hall closes the year with Butler and DePaul, but should stay within the RPI top 40 given that they don’t completely fall apart here and in the conference tournament, hosted in New York City.
Once the Pirates hear their names called on Selection Sunday, higher seeds in their bracket will take notice, as SHU could be a popular upset pick for brackets across the country.
