Seton Hall Edges Creighton in a Dramatic BIG EAST Finish
In a game that lived up to its nail-biter billing, Seton Hall rallied from a 16-point deficit to stun visiting Creighton, 56-54, on Sunday in Newark. The Pirates rode the late three-point play by Najai Hines with 1.3 seconds remaining, flipping the script on a visiting Bluejays squad that had controlled most of the night.
First Half: Creighton Takes Control
Creighton wasted little time asserting itself, building momentum behind steady guard play and efficient scoring around the perimeter. The Bluejays opened a double-figure lead as Seton Hall struggled to find a consistent rhythm on offense. Creighton’s defense also forced several quick stops, limiting the Pirates to tough looks and forcing contested shots.
From the opening tip, Creighton demonstrated why they entered the game with a strong collection of wins in conference play. Their ability to stretch the floor and execute in late-clock situations helped them maintain a lead for the majority of the first half. As the clock wound down before halftime, Seton Hall found brief spurts of energy, but the deficit remained sizable heading into the locker room.
Second Half: The Turnaround Takes Shape
After halftime, Seton Hall’s defense tightened, and the Pirates began to chip away at the Bluejays’ advantage with renewed urgency. The hosts found a few key baskets in transition, and a more aggressive approach to attacking the rim helped narrow the margin. Creighton still looked poised, answering every Seton Hall surge with timely baskets of their own, but the Pirates refused to fade away.
The pivotal moment arrived late in thegame, as Seton Hall mounted a decisive run that shifted the entire trajectory of the contest. With the clock ticking and the crowd sensing the momentum shift, the Pirates closed the gap to two possessions and eventually took a one-possession lead in the final minute.
The Final Sequence: Najai Hines Delivers the Knockout
With the game on the line, Najai Hines delivered the moment Seton Hall needed. He converted a three-point play with 1.3 seconds left to put the Pirates ahead. The made play not only completed a 16-point comeback but also showcased Seton Hall’s resilience and willingness to execute under pressure. Creighton’s last-ditch attempts were thwarted by a stubborn Pirates defense and a timely defensive stop on the game’s final possession.
Key Takeaways
- Late-game execution matters: Seton Hall’s poise in the closing seconds underscored how a single sequence can redefine a game. Najai Hines’ pressure-free finish was the difference.
- Momentum can swing quickly: A 16-point deficit can vanish in minutes when a team locks in on defense and commits to aggressive play on the offensive end.
- Impact from the bench: Depth players contributed meaningful minutes, helping Seton Hall sustain their defensive intensity and stretch the floor on offense.
What This Means for the BIG EAST Standings
Creighton entered the matchup with strong conference momentum, but this loss adds a layer of complexity to the league race. For Seton Hall, the victory provides a much-needed boost that could impact seeding and confidence as the season presses forward. Both teams demonstrated why the BIG EAST remains one of the most competitive midseason leagues in college basketball, with every possession carrying significant weight.
Looking Ahead
Creighton will look to regroup quickly as they continue conference play, focusing on tightening ball handling and late-game decision-making. Seton Hall, buoyed by the comeback win, will aim to build on the momentum with a focused approach to next week’s schedule, especially at home where they can leverage the energy of their crowd to fuel another stretch run.
