Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a season, only to have the schedule stacked against you. That’s exactly what Seton Hall’s head coach Shaheen Holloway is grappling with after his team’s latest victory. But here’s where it gets controversial: Holloway didn’t hold back, slamming the Big East’s scheduling as ‘awful’ following their hard-fought 63-56 win over Butler on Sunday night. This win keeps Seton Hall’s NCAA Tournament dreams alive, but at what cost? Let’s dive in.
Seton Hall, now standing at 18-8 overall and 8-7 in the Big East, has made a remarkable turnaround from last year’s 7-25 season. Their resilience was on full display at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where they secured their second consecutive win and fifth true road victory. Yet, Holloway’s post-game focus wasn’t on the triumph—it was on the grueling schedule. ‘We got three games in a week in February, which is awful by the Big East,’ he declared in a radio interview. ‘I don’t care if I get in trouble. You can’t play three games in a week in February. It just can’t happen.’ His frustration is palpable, and it raises a critical question: Are conference schedules prioritizing fairness or fatigue?
And this is the part most people miss: While Seton Hall’s immediate focus is on staying in the NCAA Tournament conversation, their path is anything but smooth. To solidify their spot, they likely need to take down powerhouses like No. 17 St. John’s or No. 6 UConn during the regular season, plus make a deep run in the Big East Tournament. But first, they must face a surging DePaul team led by Chris Holtmann on Wednesday at the Prudential Center. DePaul, fresh off a bye and a 72-71 win over Creighton, will be well-rested—a luxury Seton Hall hasn’t had.
The Butler game itself was a testament to Seton Hall’s grit. Despite Butler missing key players like Finley Bizjack, who scored 25 points in their previous matchup, the Pirates had to claw their way back. AJ Staton-McCray was the standout, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the second half, including two clutch three-pointers that shifted the momentum. Budd Clark, who had an off night after a 31-point performance against Providence, still contributed seven assists and a crucial late basket. Even with a dismal 10-of-22 performance from the free-throw line, the Pirates found a way to win.
Holloway’s strategic decisions also played a role. He started Tajuan Simpkins for his energy, a move that paid off with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. ‘When guys have energy, those are the guys you go with,’ Holloway explained. But the coach’s mind is already on the next challenge: ‘We got a quick turnaround, but this is a big win. We just got to build from it.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is the Big East’s scheduling unfairly penalizing teams like Seton Hall, or is it a necessary test of endurance? Holloway’s bold critique invites debate. What do you think? Are coaches like Holloway justified in their complaints, or is this just part of the game? Let us know in the comments below. One thing’s for sure—Seton Hall’s journey this season is far from over, and every game from here on out will be a battle.
