In a surprising turn of events, Seton Hall University's basketball team will face off against Indiana State for the NIT championship, following their exclusion from the NCAA Tournament. Despite the initial disappointment, the Pirates have shown tremendous resilience and are determined to claim their first NIT title since 1953.

The Pirates, with a record of 24-12, secured their spot in the NIT Finals by defeating Georgia 84-67 at the famous Hinkle Fieldhouse. Seton Hall's passionate fanbase, decked out in their signature Pirate Blue, cheered them on throughout the game, making their presence known with loud chants of "Lets go Pirates."

Powered by a stellar performance from Al-Amir Dawes, Kadary Richmond, and Dre Davis, who combined for an impressive 54 points, Seton Hall dominated the court. Dawes showcased his shooting prowess, scoring 20 points including four three-pointers. Davis proved to be a force to be reckoned with, contributing 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Richmond demonstrated his versatility with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jaden Bediako and Jaquan Sanders also made significant contributions with 13 and 11 points respectively coming off the bench.

Reflecting on the team's journey, Dawes expressed his excitement about playing for a championship and the opportunity to win hardware for the program. Richmond echoed the sentiment and emphasized that their goal has always been to compete for a championship in April, a mission they have successfully accomplished.

Both Seton Hall (24-12) and Indiana State (32-6) narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament, ending up among the "First Four Out." Many voices, including UConn's Dan Hurley and St. John's Rick Pitino, argued for Seton Hall's inclusion in the main tournament. However, a series of unexpected "bid thieves" ultimately prevented their participation. Despite this setback, the Pirates are determined to show the world their worth by capturing the NIT championship.

Anticipating a challenging matchup, Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway acknowledged Indiana State's strong team and the added advantage of playing on their home court. Nevertheless, Holloway expressed excitement about playing for a championship and highlighted the significance of such an opportunity.

On the other hand, Indiana State secured their spot in the final with a decisive 100-90 victory over Utah, buoyed by the support of their enthusiastic fans dressed in powder blue. Robbie Avila stood out with an impressive performance of 26 points and 10 rebounds, earning him a place as a folk hero among the Sycamores' fanbase.

The clash between Seton Hall and Indiana State promises to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams. As the Pirates look to put their NCAA Tournament snub behind them, they are laser-focused on claiming the NIT championship and showcasing their true potential.

The final, set to take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. (ESPN), presents Seton Hall with a golden opportunity to cement their legacy and prove that they deserved a spot on the national stage. This unexpected turn of events has only motivated the Pirates to achieve their goal and solidify their status as a formidable basketball program.

Despite the circumstances, Seton Hall will fight tooth and nail to bring home the NIT championship, leaving no doubt about their talent and potential. The road to redemption starts now, and the Pirates are ready to seize the moment.