Preview: Creighton Bluejays at Seton Hall Pirates

NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Seton Hall squad will look to protect its home court and solidify its strong start to the season when it hosts a streaky Creighton team in a Big East Conference clash Sunday at Prudential Center.

The Pirates (12-2) enter January as one of the league’s early surprises, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent victory was a statement 79-73 road win at Marquette on Dec. 30. Seton Hall’s success has been fueled by balance, with guard Adam Clark serving as a steadying force. Over his last five games, Clark is averaging 10.4 points and 5.0 assists.

They will face a Creighton team (9-5) that has shown both high-ceiling potential and concerning inconsistency. The Bluejays are riding a four-game winning streak, including an 89-85 home victory over Butler on Tuesday, but also own a 50-point output in a loss at Nebraska last month. During this current win streak, Creighton has averaged 90.8 points per game.

The matchup features two of the conference’s key facilitators. Creighton’s Jasen Green is coming off a career-high 23-point, five-assist performance against Butler, capping a stretch where he scored in double figures in four of five games. His duel with Seton Hall’s Clark at the point of attack will be pivotal.

Seton Hall’s defense, which has held opponents to 67 points or fewer in eight games, will be tested by a Creighton offense that has found its rhythm. The Pirates’ only losses are by a combined 15 points to Villanova and Southern California.

This game marks the start of the heart of the Big East schedule for both teams. The rematch is scheduled for Feb. 7 in Omaha.

Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon.