NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined more by missed shots than makes, Seton Hall rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to edge Georgetown 51-47 in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Prudential Center.

The game, witnessed by 9,055 fans, was a stark contrast in halves. Georgetown controlled the opening period, taking a 27-20 lead into the break behind early three-pointers from KJ Lewis and Kayvaun Mulready. The Hoyas’ defense held Seton Hall to a frigid 0-for-18 performance from beyond the arc for the entire game.

But the second half belonged to the Pirates, who flipped the script with relentless interior defense and an attacking offensive mindset. Seton Hall outscored Georgetown 31-20 after halftime, finally seizing the lead for good midway through the period and clamping down to secure the victory.

The most important part of the game was Seton Hall’s overwhelming defensive presence in the paint, spearheaded by sophomore center Najai Hines. The 6-foot-10 Plainfield, New Jersey, native altered the game without needing to score heavily, finishing with 12 points, five blocks and several more deterred shots in 24 minutes. His rim protection was pivotal as Georgetown managed only 20 points in the paint and shot a dismal 27.3% from the field overall.

Georgetown’s offensive woes were comprehensive. The Hoyas shot 15 of 55 from the floor and 4 of 23 from three-point range. They also struggled at the free-throw line, making only 13 of 23 attempts. Despite winning the offensive rebounding battle 14-16, they could not convert second chances efficiently.

Seton Hall was scarcely better offensively, shooting 30.9% from the field. However, the Pirates dominated inside, scoring 32 points in the paint and earning 26 free-throw attempts, making 17. They also capitalized on Georgetown’s mistakes, scoring 14 points off 13 Hoya turnovers.

Georgetown guard Malik Mack led the Hoyas with nine points, while Lewis added 10. Caleb Williams contributed seven points and four assists. For Seton Hall, Hines’ all-around effort was complemented by eight points from Josh Rivera and six points apiece from Adam Clark and Mike Williams.

The win improved Seton Hall’s record to 19-9 overall and provided a crucial conference victory as they pursue postseason positioning. Georgetown fell to 13-14, dropping its third straight game in a season that has been marked by narrow defeats.

The game’s tempo was grinding, with Georgetown using 65 possessions and Seton Hall 63, resulting in offensive ratings of 72.4 and 80.5, respectively, numbers far below typical collegiate efficiency. The combined 33 assists on 32 made field goals underscored a game dominated by defensive pressure and offensive stagnation.

Seton Hall now looks ahead to a key road test at Connecticut next Saturday. Georgetown returns home to host Marquette on Tuesday, seeking to halt its skid.