The three Big East teams in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 serve as an example of just how bad the conference snub has been, with Seton Hall holding out until the end in the NIT.
The Pirates defeated UNLV 91-68 on Wednesday at Walsh Gymnasium, advancing to the semifinals for the second straight time.
That was after Seton Hall defeated North Texas 72-58 in the second round.
Coach Shaheen Holloway’s team will face Georgia in the semifinals on April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Seton Hall (23-12) had five players score in double figures and built a 44-26 lead at intermission, culminating with a Dylan Ade-to-Woos slam and never looked back. There wasn’t.
Al Amir Dawes led the Pirates with 21 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Kadary Richmond had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four rebounds.
Dre Davis had 14 points and seven rebounds, Ade Ousu had 12 points and Jayden Bediako had 11 points.
Seton Hall shot 51.6 percent from the field and forced 13 turnovers against the Running Rebels.
Kalib Boone paced UNLV (21-15) with 16 points and five rebounds.
Many believed the Pirates, along with St. John’s and Providence, were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament due to five bid thieves stealing at-large bids.
Seton Hall made the most of the situation and was just two wins away from finishing with a championship.
Indiana State, another NCAA snub, awaits the winner of VCU and Utah State in the other semifinal.
