Creighton began a pivotal stretch of its conference season on Tuesday, defeating Butler 89-85 and setting the stage for a challenging matchup against Seton Hall. The Pirates, who have surprised many this season with a 12-2 record, were ranked last in the Big East preseason poll following a dismal 7-25 season last year. Coach Shaheen Holloway’s strategy to assemble a roster of ten new transfers appears to be paying off as they’ve transformed into a tough and physical team.
Seton Hall’s defense stands out with an impressive adjusted defensive efficiency of 95.3, ranking 14th in Division I, and they have limited opponents to a mere 46.1% effective field goal percentage, good for 34th nationally. One of their most remarkable defensive statistics is their shot-blocking ability; they lead the nation by blocking 20.1% of opponents’ shots. Creighton’s coach Greg McDermott acknowledged the Pirates’ tenacity, emphasizing the need for his team to protect the basketball and secure quality scoring opportunities.
While Seton Hall’s perimeter defense has shown some vulnerability—opponents shoot 32.9% from beyond the arc—their dominance inside has been a cornerstone of their success this season. With players like Najal Hines and Stephon Payne III leading the charge, the Pirates excel at protecting the rim and forcing turnovers, boasting the third-highest steal rate in the country at 15.3%.
Offensively, Seton Hall can struggle. Their style might lead to disorganized possessions and foul troubles, but they often rely on getting second chances through offensive rebounds. Key contributors include A.J. Staton-McCray, who averages 13.1 points per game, and Adam “Budd” Clark, the primary facilitator with 5.4 assists per game. Clark’s transition from Merrimack has been notable, making him a pivotal player for the Pirates.
As the teams prepare for their matchup, Creighton will aim to uphold its recent shooting success while minimizing turnovers against a Seton Hall team known for capitalizing on mistakes. Historically, Creighton has fared well against Seton Hall, claiming victory in ten of their last twelve encounters. However, predictions suggest a close game, with Seton Hall holding a slight edge according to analytics.
Fans can tune in to the game on NBCSN, with ample coverage available via radio and streaming platforms. As both teams take the court, the excitement is palpable—showcasing not only their skills but also the evolution of a Seton Hall program that has emerged as a formidable contender in the Big East.