NEWARK – It’s almost impossible to believe that a team could win a Big East basketball game while shooting 0-for-18 from 3-point range.
Yet that is exactly what happened Saturday as Seton Hall overcome an epic brick fest to beat Georgetown 51-47 before 8,000 full-throated, bewildered fans who gave the team a long standing ovation after the final buzzer.
The Hall (19-9 overall, 9-8 Big East) prevailed despite shooting just 30 percent from the field overall, rallying from a 10-point deficit thanks to the forceful play of freshman center Najai Hines (12 points, 10 rebounds 5 blocks, 2 steals) and tenacious defense and rebounding.
“We just dug deep – we dug deep and found a way to win,” Hall coach Shaheen Holloway said. “What it says about our team was, after the disappointing loss we had the other day (to DePaul at home), guys were trying to figure out a way no matter what.”
The Pirates completed a season sweep of Georgetown (13-14, 5-11) by holding the Hoyas to 27 percent shooting and scoring 16 points off of 17 offensive rebounds. After shooting 0-for-13 from deep during a 20-point first half — most of those bombs were uncontested — the Pirates focused on attacking the rim and got to the free-throw line as a result. On the other end, Holloway switched to a 2-3 zone to good effect.
“Our shooters had some really good looks; we just didn’t hit them,” Holloway said, crediting backup point guard Trey Parker with getting the offense moving toward the rim instead of settling.
The last time Seton Hall didn’t make a 3-pointer in a game was 2009 — also against Georgetown, also a win. That was an 0-for-13 performance. This marked the first time any Division 1 men’s basketball team has won a game shooting 0-for-18 or worse since 2018, and the first time in at least two decades that it’s happened in a high-major conference contest.
“Got to credit Seton Hall, their grit and toughness,” Georgetown coach Ed Cooley said. “Definitely (James) Naismith is rolling in his grave, watching that basketball game.”
FIVE TAKEAWAYS
1. It’s Najai Hines time
It’s become obvious that starting center Stephon Payne has lost a step due to his ankle injury. Holloway pulled him early in the first half in favor of Hines, and then Hines got the nod to start the second half.
The pride of Plainfield was a difference maker, upgrading the Pirates defensively, on the glass and with an ability to hit free throws. He swatted one first-half shot so hard, the ball probably lost some air.
“I thought he was the player of the game,” CooIey said. “I thought he was the X-factor with his ability to make free throws, and he has some incredible hands. Really, really good potential with him. He’ll be a name in the league that a lot of people will talk about as long as he’s in college.”
Hines made all three of his field goals, six of seven free throws, had a key steal and dished out a crucial assist late in the second half. He posted a plus/minus of plus-16, easily the best of the game.
“We had to be very locked in on defense, knowing we weren’t scoring as much as we would like,” Hines said. “We’ve got to get better at shooting. It’s unfortunate (the 0-for-18), but we came out with the win and that’s what matters.
Holoway has expressed concerns about Hines’ stamina and being foul-prone. But he liked the matchup against a plodding Georgetown team and rolled with Hines even when the big fella reached three fouls midway through the second half.
“Najai was real good down the stretch,” Holloway said. “Us and them, we grinded it out, so it was good that there wasn’t a lot of running. I told you guys before, we need him to play like this for us to be successful. We need this juice. I stuck with him even though he had three fouls because he was giving us something Steph wasn’t giving us. It will be good for Steph to get his ankle back to 100 percent this week.”
A platoon in the post remains appropriate, but Hines has shown he’s capable of being the guy in crunch time.
2. Another lineup change
Tajuan Simpkins’ two-game stint in the starting lineup ended as fellow junior guard Mike Williams swapped back in for him.
“Twin, to be totally honest, he came to me and said he feels more comfortable coming off the bench,” Holloway said, using Simpkins’ nickname. “That was big of him to say that…It was good because Mike gave us some juice.”
Williams scored six points and the Pirates needed them all.
3. Better crowd
After Wednesday’s shockingly light crowd of about 5,000, Hall fans came through in good numbers – and they were engaged from the start. Without much to cheer for on the offensive end, they got behind every defensive stop and rebound. It was a good crowd that made a difference.
The student section was a bit more populated than it’s been, possibly due to the $20 food vouchers the athletic department was giving out to students who attended, but overall their showing remained paltry. Their seats are being sold to the general public for the regular-season finale March 6 vs. St. John’s.
If this situation doesn’t improve at the start of next season, that should be standard operating procedure in the future.
4. Anthony Avent’s heartfelt speech
The headliner of the athletic department’s 2026 Hall of Fame class, former All-Big East forward/center Anthony Avent, gave a heartfelt speech during Saturday’s induction luncheon about what it meant to represent his home state. Here is an excerpted version:
“I’m a product of Newark New Jersey. I wanted to stay home, I wanted to represent my city and help put Seton Hall University on the basketball map. I chose Seton Hall, and in many ways I recruited Seton Hall because I believed in what we could build together.”
“The journey wasn’t easy. Sitting out my first year tested my patience with my identity. But adversity builds foundation. And when my time came, we made history in 1989, NCAA runner-up, 1991 Big East Tournament champions, and the (1991) Final Eight. Those moments weren’t just victories, they were proof of unity, sacrifice and belief.”
“This Hall of Fame recognition isn’t just about basketball. It’s about commitment, it’s about staying home when you could leave. It’s about finishing what you started. It’s about turning obstacles into preparation.”
Avent took the court at halftime to warm applause with the help of a cane. He has back surgery upcoming.
5. ‘We’re fighting for something’
It’s down to a three-game season, and there remains plenty to play for as the Pirates head into a much-needed bye week before visiting fifth-ranked UConn (24-4, 15-2) in Storrs Feb. 28 (noon tip, Fox Sports 1).
“This team is mentally and physically exhausted,” Holloway said. “I walked into the locker room after the game, you would think we lost. This bye week is very crucial for us right now.”
They’re in sole possession of fourth place, which is an achievement for a squad picked to finish last by the league’s coaches in the preseason. Cooley, who has been a mentor to Holloway, pointed that out.
“Amazing job, given all the (roster) transition and turnover he went through,” Cooley said. “He will get my vote for (Big East) Coach of the Year, for sure.”
With a split over the final two games, at Xavier and at home against St. John’s, the Hall likely will finish in the top five in the Big East standings, which would earn a bye into the league tournament quarterfinals.
“This is a team that’s got 19 wins and we’re fighting for something,” Holloway said, later adding, “Do I think we have a (NCAA) tournament team? Yeah, I do. We challenged ourselves in the non-conference and won some games.”
Win a few more, and it will get interesting.
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Seton Hall basketball overcomes bricks, tops Georgetown as Hines stars