Seton Hall won the NIT on Thursday, defeating Indiana State in a game that came down to the wire. Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway earned great praise for his actions with Sycamores star Robbie Avila right after the game.
While Seton Hall went on a 9-0 run to take a late lead, the Sycamores had the ball last with a chance to send the game to overtime or even win it outright with a three. The Pirates defense held strong, though to pull off a 79-77 win.
When the game was over, cameras found Avila, who has become one of college basketball’s most well-known players, standing hunched over with his hands on his knees. Avila was clearly and understandably upset. When Halloway got to Avila, he lifted his head and gave the Indiana State star a brief, but inspiring pep talk before the two embraced.
After the game, Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway went over to show his respect to disappointed Indiana State star Robbie Avila. 🏀 ❤️ https://t.co/WX7idJSnPp pic.twitter.com/j5zVgmMODi
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 5, 2024
Holloway earned significant praise for his actions.
Awesome moment. After Seton Hall won the NIT, Pirates HC Shaheen Holloway went over to Robbie Avila aka Steph Blurry aka Larry Blurred aka the one and only Cream Abdul-Jabbar, and told him to keep his head up. Respect. 💪 pic.twitter.com/5sa2bP8iX5
— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) April 5, 2024
This is awesome. https://t.co/zWytuVEtei
— With EVERYBODY Sayin’ – C! J! Writes! YEAH! (@CJWritesNThangs) April 5, 2024
This is bigger than basketball, and what it’s really about. Shaheen Holloway telling Robbie Avila to keep his head up is the best thing you will see today:
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 5, 2024
Shaheen Holloway consoles Indiana State star, Robbie Avila, literally lifting his chin up, while his Seton Hall players celebrate NIT championship victory.
All class from Sha. That’s our coach. https://t.co/ZLW9iR7sH8 pic.twitter.com/qCQnl8AjWD
— SOrangeJuice (@SOrangeJuice) April 5, 2024
After Seton Hall wins the NIT Title, Shaheen Holloway **quite literally** tells Robbie Avila to keep his chin up.
This is respect between two great representatives of college hoops.
This is sportsmanship at the highest level. pic.twitter.com/1LEjmGIjDB
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) April 5, 2024
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
