NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of momentum, Seton Hall erased a 16-point second-half deficit to edge Creighton 56-54 in a pivotal Big East Conference men’s basketball game Sunday at Prudential Center.

The Pirates, improving to 13-2 overall and solidifying their strong start to the season, were held to a meager 18 points in a frigid first half. The visiting Bluejays, meanwhile, built a 27-18 lead by intermission behind the steady play of forward Jasen Green and guard Josh Dix.

The second half told a completely different story. Seton Hall, fueled by a raucous home crowd of 8,532, erupted for 38 points. A relentless defensive effort sparked the comeback, forcing Creighton into critical late turnovers and contested shots. The Pirates chipped away methodically, finally drawing even before taking their first lead in the game’s tense final minutes.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final 30 seconds with the score tied. After a Creighton timeout, the Bluejays’ inbounds pass was deflected and stolen by Seton Hall’ Tajuan Simpkins. The Pirates called timeout to set up a final play. Out of the stoppage, guard Adam Clark drove and missed a jumper, but forward Najai Hines secured the offensive rebound and was fouled on the put-back attempt with one second remaining. Hines, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from nearby Plainfield, New Jersey, calmly sank both free throws to give Seton Hall a 56-54 lead.

Creighton’s last-ditch full-court inbounds pass was stolen by Simpkins as time expired, sealing a remarkable comeback victory for the Pirates.

For Seton Hall, the victory was a collective effort. Elijah Fisher came off the bench to score 10 points, all in the second half, providing a critical offensive spark. Hines finished with eight points, nine rebounds and three blocks, with his final two points proving decisive. Clark and Trey Parker each added nine points, with Parker’s steady ball-handling and late free throws aiding the surge.

Creighton, which fell to 9-6, was led by Austin Swartz’s game-high 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Green recorded a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Dix posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. However, the Bluejays’ offense stagnated after halftime, scoring only 27 points and failing to find an answer for Seton Hall’s intensified defensive pressure.

The first half was a struggle for both teams offensively, but Creighton managed to create separation with a 9-0 run late in the period. Seton Hall shot poorly from the field and committed several turnovers, allowing the Bluejays to take a comfortable lead into the break.

The second-half transformation was immediate. Seton Hall attacked the paint, scoring 26 of their points inside, and capitalized on Creighton mistakes, scoring 11 points off turnovers. The Pirates’ defense held Creighton to just four fast-break points in the game.

According to pregame analytics from Interstat, Creighton had been projected with a 72.2% probability to win, and Seton Hall closed as a 2.5-point favorite. The final combined score of 110 points fell well under the over/under line of 140, highlighting the defensive struggle for much of the contest.

The loss snaps a two-game winning streak for Creighton, which had beaten Butler and Utah Tech in its last two outings. Seton Hall has now won two straight in conference play following a road victory at Marquette.

Creighton looks to rebound quickly, traveling to face Villanova on Wednesday. Seton Hall continues its Big East schedule next Saturday with a road game at Georgetown. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Omaha on Feb. 7.