Seton Hall Stuns UConn in Overtime Thriller, Snapping Nine-Game Losing Streak

The Prudential Center was the site of a dramatic and unexpected upset on Saturday afternoon as Seton Hall edged past UConn 69-68 in an overtime battle, ending their nine-game losing streak. The Pirates, who entered the game with a dismal 2-12 Big East record, showcased grit and resilience, overcoming a five-point deficit in the final minute of overtime to topple the defending national champions.

A Gritty Performance from the Underdogs

Seton Hall's Isaiah Coleman delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 23 points while grabbing eight rebounds. His relentless energy and clutch free-throw shooting helped keep the Pirates within striking distance throughout the game. Godswill Erheriene was equally impressive, recording his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Dylan Addae-Wusu contributed 13 points, including the game-tying three-pointer that forced overtime.

The Pirates' defensive intensity was palpable from the outset. They limited UConn to a season-low 37.3% shooting from the field, disrupting the Huskies' offensive rhythm with aggressive on-ball defense and timely turnovers.

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"We knew we had to play with heart and effort to compete with a team like UConn," Coleman said postgame. "We stayed together and fought until the very end."

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A Game of Swings and Surprises

The game began with both teams struggling to find their offensive footing, resulting in a low-scoring first half. Seton Hall utilized an 11-0 run late in the half to establish a 25-22 lead at the break, marking their first halftime advantage since mid-December.

In the second half, UConn's offensive engine sputtered before finally igniting with a series of three-pointers from Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, and Liam McNeeley. The Huskies appeared to seize control with a 55-48 lead with under two minutes to play. However, Seton Hall refused to fold.

Addae-Wusu drew a foul on a three-point attempt with 36 seconds remaining, converting all three free throws to cut the deficit to two. UConn's struggles at the charity stripe, combined with their inability to protect the ball, opened the door for the Pirates. After a chaotic sequence, Addae-Wusu drained a contested three-pointer with just five seconds left to force overtime.

Overtime Chaos and the Game-Winner

The overtime period mirrored the game's frenetic nature. UConn again built a five-point cushion with under a minute remaining, thanks to a layup by Tarris Reed Jr. But Seton Hall responded with precision and poise. Erheriene's two free throws trimmed the deficit to three, followed by Coleman's clutch pair of foul shots to bring the Pirates within one.

The decisive moment came with just seconds remaining. UConn's Solo Ball, pressured by Seton Hall's full-court press, lost possession of the ball. Garwey Dual swooped in for the steal and quickly passed to Scotty Middleton, who missed his initial layup but managed to tip in the rebound with three seconds on the clock. UConn's last-second heave fell short, sealing the Pirates' improbable victory.

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"We never gave up," Middleton remarked after the game. "We trusted our defense and made the most of our chances."

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UConn's Offensive Struggles Continue

For the Huskies, this loss marks their fourth consecutive defeat at the Prudential Center. UConn's offensive woes were evident throughout the contest, as they shot just 37.3% from the field. Despite strong individual performances from Karaban (20 points, six rebounds, three blocks) and Ball (15 points, seven rebounds), the Huskies were plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley acknowledged his team's shortcomings. "We had control late, but we didn't execute. Credit to Seton Hall for capitalizing on our mistakes," Hurley said.

Key Statistics and Insights

• Shooting Woes: UConn's 37.3% field goal shooting was its lowest of the season.
• Rebounding Battle: The Huskies won the rebounding battle 41-35 but struggled with key box-outs late.
• Turnovers: UConn committed critical turnovers in the final minutes, allowing Seton Hall to outscore them 6-0 in the closing 54 seconds of overtime.
• Clutch Performers: Seton Hall's Coleman scored 11 points in the second half, while Erheriene added four crucial points in overtime.

Implications and Next Steps

This victory provides a much-needed morale boost for Seton Hall as they prepare to face Marquette next. The Pirates' ability to defeat a top-tier opponent demonstrates their potential to disrupt the Big East hierarchy.

For UConn, this loss underscores the urgent need to address their offensive inconsistencies and turnover issues. With Villanova up next, the Huskies must recalibrate and find their early-season form if they hope to regain momentum.

The Pirates' thrilling win serves as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the unpredictable nature of college basketball. As they celebrated on the court, the players and fans alike relished a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.