Seton Hall Upsets VCU in Charleston Classic Quarterfinals

Shaheen Holloway, the coach of Seton Hall basketball, delivered on his promise of improvement as his team clinched a 69-66 overtime victory against the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the Charleston Classic quarterfinals. This match, a significant milestone for Seton Hall, came after a tough start to their season and showcased the team’s resilience.

Postgraduate guard Chaunce Jenkins exhibited an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points, while reserve forward David Tubek hit a crucial three-pointer that secured the victory against VCU, a team favored to win both the tournament and the Atlantic 10 Conference.

«The guys fought, man,» Holloway remarked following the game. «Super proud of these guys. They clawed, they scratched, they made plays when we had to make plays.» Seton Hall’s offence overcame a top-10 defence, an indication of their burgeoning prowess on the court.

For Jenkins, the win represented a critical triumph for the Pirates. «It was a must win – a huge win for us,» Jenkins stated. With this victory, regarded as a Quad 1 victory, Seton Hall has sent a message of their resilience and potential.

Tubek’s nine-point contribution in just 12 minutes, where he successfully made all of his three-point attempts, was crucial. His performance, especially given his past struggles with a back injury, is a testament to the concept of player development in basketball.

Jenkins also credited the Seton Hall supporters, who traveled in significant numbers to the game, providing an energetic boost that impacted the team’s performance. «We had a ton of fans and they were a game-changer for us, like a sixth man,» Jenkins shared.

Looking ahead, Seton Hall will face Vanderbilt in the semifinals. Holloway emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: «No celebration,» he instructed his players, reminding them of the day’s quick turnaround.

In addition to Jenkins’ efforts, sophomore wing Isaiah Coleman demonstrated his potential by recording his first collegiate double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, sophomore point guard Garwey Dual made a significant impact off the bench despite a recent shoulder injury, contributing to the team’s success.

Backup point guard Zion Harmon, absent from the game for personal reasons, remains an uncertainty for the team’s future lineup. Holloway, during a postgame interview with Gary Cohen and Davie Popkin, emphasized rewarding hard work in practice and acknowledged the critical roles played by players such as Tubek, Coleman, and Dual in the team’s success.

This victory sets a promising tone for Seton Hall as they navigate the Charleston Classic, with potential notable achievements on the horizon.