Seton Hall defeated Creighton 72-61 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on March 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The win advances fourth-seeded Seton Hall to the semifinals, where they will face top-seeded St. John’s. Creighton ends its tournament run with a record of 15-17.
The outcome is significant as it marks Seton Hall’s progression to the next round and leaves Creighton waiting to learn if it will receive a postseason invitation for the tenth straight non-COVID year. The game was marked by strong defensive play and notable performances from both teams’ benches.
Seton Hall led at halftime after a key 10-0 run, but Creighton briefly took the lead early in the second half before Seton Hall responded with another scoring burst. Jacob Dar, who had not played in the first 25 minutes, scored a season-high 16 points in the second half for Seton Hall. “Jacob Dar was certainly the difference in that second half,” said Greg McDermott, head coach of Creighton. “Then we just had some really out-of-body shooting nights… Those guys have been making shots for us all year long.”
Creighton’s Josh Dix matched his season-high with 22 points and surpassed 250 career assists during the game. Jasen Green contributed a career-high three blocks and tied his career-best with eleven rebounds. Despite these efforts, Creighton struggled with shooting accuracy and missed several free throws that could have shifted momentum.
Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway credited his team’s depth: “That’s why I want to play ten or eleven guys, right? I think if you only have six, seven guys and things don’t go well, you can’t go to your bench. Jacob came in and gave us great minutes.” Holloway also reflected on advancing: “Playing tomorrow night, Friday night, in the semifinals against St. John’s in the Garden at home, that’s what you play basketball for. So a great opportunity for us.” Adam Clark of Seton Hall added: “We’re in the semifinals. That’s what we came here to the Big East for… You can’t ask for nothing better.”
Looking ahead, Seton Hall prepares for their semifinal matchup while Creighton awaits word on potential postseason opportunities.
