KC Ndefo converted a three-point play with under a minute to go, to give Seton Hall a one-point lead on the road in Colorado. With 30 seconds remaining, the Buffaloes converted a back door layup out of a timeout to regain the lead. Seton Hall had an opportunity to win the game on a last possession scoop shot by Femi Odukale. He came up short and the Pirates' season ended, with a 65-64 loss in the first round of the NIT.
In a message to the Seton Hall fans after the game Shaheen Holloway said, “The future is bright, because I am going to get some guys in here who are going to battle and play the way I want to play. We had it halfway this year, but we are going to make it happen.”
A theme from this Seton Hall team has been a lack of consistency, which has often been reiterated by coach Holloway after numerous games. The Pirates had it in spurts last night, but were unable to put it all together to advance in the NIT.
A player who has embodied what Shaheen Holloway is looking for, is Seton Hall big man Tyrese Samuel. He posted another double-double last night with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Samuel can return to South Orange for another season. Shaheen Holloway had made it known that he wants Samuel back and keeping Samuel will be a top priority this off-season for the Seton Hall program.
In his final collegiate game, Ndefo scored 18 points on 6-8 shooting from the field. He was the anchor of Saint Peter’s Elite Eight team from last year. Ndefo had some big moments as a Pirate as well. He lifted Seton Hall to a huge home win with a last second layup against Connecticut. Ndefo was a player who embodied what coach Holloway looks for in a player and will be missed next season.
This off-season will be crucial for Seton Hall. In the new world of collegiate athletics with the transfer portal and NIL, rosters are constantly changing. Coach Holloway will be tasked with recruiting his own players to stay, along with looking to upgrade the roster through the transfer portal. At this time the Pirates only have one incoming freshman for next years class. Going into year two, it is crucial Shaheen Holloway hits a home run this off-season.
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