PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — Seton Hall built a sizable first-half lead and withstood a late Providence charge to earn a 72-67 victory in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Friday night at Dunkin’ Center.

The Pirates led 35-28 at halftime and extended their advantage before the Friars mounted a second-half comeback that ultimately fell short. TJ Simpkins led Seton Hall with 22 points, while Stephon Payne added 18 points. Providence’s Stefan Vaaks scored a team-high 15 points.

The win improved Seton Hall to 11-1 overall. Providence dropped to 7-6. Attendance was 10,993.