Seton Hall has been placed as a No. 1 seed in the National Invitational Tournament and will host No. 8 Stony Brook in Walsh Gymnasium at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday night.
"Obviously we'ew disappointed but still very excited about being in the NIT and about still playing basketball," head coach Kevin Willard said.
After just missing out on the NCAA Tournament with a 20-12 record the Pirates will take on the 22-9 Seawolves.
This will be the second time in three years that the Hall has qualified for the NIT, losing to Texas Tech 87-69 in 2010. The Pirates won the NIT in 1953, defeating St. John's 58-46 in the championship game but in 12 appearances since their only win came in 1956 against Marquette, 96-78.
This will also be the Pirates official game in Walsh Gymnasium since Dec. 4, 2000 when the Hall defeated Norfolk State 97-87.
"I love the Prudential Center," Willard said. "It's a great venue but to have an on campus arena is something special. I love Walsh Gym, I love the history of it. I'm excited about being at Walsh."
With a win against Stony Brook the Pirates would advance to play the winner of Mississippi State and Massachusetts.
Stephen Valenti can be reached at Stephen.valenti@student.shu.edu
