Seton Hall Surges to Stunning Comeback Victory
Newark, N.J. — In a game that looked like a comfortable Creighton win for most of the afternoon, the Seton Hall Pirates staged a dramatic late rally to stun the visiting Bluejays, 56-54. Najai Hines delivered the defining moment, converting a three-point play with 1.3 seconds remaining to cap a 16-point comeback that sent the opposite bench into a frenzy.
First Half sets the Tone
The Bluejays controlled the pace for most of the opening 20 minutes, jumping out to a lead that Crest had trouble trimming. Creighton entered halftime with a steady advantage, buoyed by efficient scoring from the perimeter and a physical display in the paint. Seton Hall, meanwhile, faced a deficit that grew larger than the Pirates had anticipated, relying on resilient defense and timely baskets to stay within striking distance.
Second Half: The Turnaround
Out of the break, Seton Hall tightened its defense and started converting opportunities that had eluded them in the first half. The Pirates slowly chipped away at Creighton’s lead, closing gaps with a string of momentum-shifting plays. With each defensive stop and clutch bucket, the home crowd grew louder, sensing that an upset could be in reach.
Final Sequence and Najai Hines’ Heroics
With the score tight in the final minute, Seton Hall forced a turnover and regained possession with a chance to steal the game. Hines became the focal point of the dramatic finish, driving to the basket and drawing a foul, then calmly finishing at the rim to give the Pirates a one-point edge with seconds to spare. Creighton had one more attempt but could not convert, leaving Seton Hall to celebrate a memorable win on its home floor.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
Hines finished with a performance that will be remembered for its late-game poise, while Seton Hall’s defense rose to the occasion in the final minutes. The Pirates also benefited from contributions across the lineup, balancing inside scoring with critical three-point attempts that kept them within reach despite a rocky start. Creighton’s offense, led by its experienced backcourt, kept the game within reach but could not sustain the efficiency needed in the last stretch.
What This Win Means for the BIG EAST Race
Saturday’s result shifts the narrative in the conference race, underscoring how quickly momentum can swing in a high-stakes Big East matchup. For Seton Hall, the victory provides a much-needed spark as they navigate a demanding schedule, while Creighton will look to regroup and return to form in upcoming league play.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will likely digest the lessons from a game decided in the final seconds. Seton Hall returns to the slate with renewed confidence in its late-game resilience, while Creighton aims to tighten late-game execution and protect leads more consistently in an unforgiving conference schedule.
