Seton Hall Pulls Off Late-Game Comeback Against Creighton
In a gripping BIG EAST clash at Newark’s Prudential Center, Seton Hall pulled off a dramatic 56-54 upset of Creighton, punctuated by Najai Hines’ clutch three-point play with 1.3 seconds remaining. The Pirates staged a 16-point rally in the second half to erase a double-digit deficit and hand the Bluejays their first conference setback of the season.
First Half: Creighton Controls the Tempo
Creighton raced out to an early advantage, using its superior shooting to build and maintain a lead for most of the game. The Bluejays, led by an efficient floor general and sharp shooters, extended their cushion, at times threatening to pull away. Seton Hall, meanwhile, battled to stay in striking distance, repeatedly trimming deficits but never fully flipping the momentum in the opening 20 minutes. By intermission, Creighton held a modest lead, signaling that the second half would demand every ounce of intensity from the Pirates.
Second Half: The Pirates Turn Up the Heat
Whatever adjustments Seton Hall coach made at halftime began to take hold after the break. The Pirates intensified their defense, forced key stops, and converted them into quick baskets. On offense, Seton Hall found a rhythm in transition and in ball movement, connecting on timely passes that opened up looks in the half court. The scoring drought that had hampered the Pirates in the first half gradually evaporated as players found their confidence and began to hit crucial shots when it mattered most.
Najai Hines Sparks the Finish
With Creighton clinging to a narrow lead in the final minutes, Najai Hines soared to the occasion. His late three-point play with 1.3 seconds on the clock capped a spectacular 16-point comeback and provided the final margin in a game decided by inches. The sequence underscored Hines’ ability to produce under pressure and showcased Seton Hall’s willingness to ride its guard-heavy lineup to a triumphant finish.
Impact on the BIG EAST Standings
The win elevates Seton Hall’s profile in one of college basketball’s most competitive leagues. It marks a confidence-boosting victory for a squad striving to prove it can navigate the ebbs and flows of conference play. For Creighton, the defeat is a tough reminder that even in a favorable matchup, late-game execution and defensive stops decide tight games. Both teams will likely dissect the final sequence to prepare for upcoming league tests.
What This Bout Told Us About Both Programs
Seton Hall demonstrated resilience, turning a game that was slipping away into a signature win that could ignite momentum for the rest of the season. The Pirates benefited from a balanced scoring effort and a strategic defensive plan that kept Creighton from fully unlocking its offense in the final minutes. Creighton, while showing strong shooting and control for most of the night, could not sustain its late-game rhythm when Seton Hall pressed the tempo and forced mistakes in the closing seconds.
Looking Ahead
As the calendar moves forward, Seton Hall will try to build on this signature win by maintaining defensive pressure and sustaining offensive execution under pressure. Creighton will regroup, emphasizing ball-handling and late-game decision-making as it returns to the floor in pursuit of continued success in the BIG EAST.
Bottom line: a tense finish, a dramatic comeback, and a memorable moment for Seton Hall fans as Najai Hines delivered when it mattered most, sealing a hard-fought home victory over a tough Creighton squad.
