NEWARK – The Seton Hall Pirates (17-8 overall, 7-7 Big East) used a 48-point second half to lift them over the Providence Friars (11-14, 4-10), winning 87-80. It was the first time since the 2017-2018 season that the Pirates got the season sweep over the Friars.
Wednesday night at the Prudential Center was eventful for those who came to support a team that was eager to erase a two-game losing streak. From five-dollar beers to the university’s vs. Cancer Night, to bobbleheads of Pirates great Isaiah Whitehead being handed out, “The Rock” was the place to be. The play that unfolded on the hardwood was also worth the price of admission.
Following a devastating last-second loss on the road in Omaha to Creighton on Saturday, the Pirates had to rebound against one of the Big East’s weaker squads. Even then, the Friars have proven to be a handful for other conference members as they entered Wednesday’s contest leading the Big East in scoring (88.5 ppg). Led by Vanderbilt transfer Jason Edwards (17.6 ppg) and UCF transfer Jaylin Sellers (17.1 ppg), the Pirates expected a battle from Providence.
Luckily, even after being down at the half, 43-39, the Pirates were able to rely on their star player to lead them to victory. Twenty-five games into the season now, it’s safe to say that junior guard Budd Clark is the real deal. Fans at Merrimack knew that well, and fans of other Big East institutions know that as well now.
Clark continued the impressive stretch he has been riding since he overcame a bad performance vs St. John’s on Jan. 20. Clark finished Wednesday’s contest with a game-high 31 points, one point shy of his career-high of 32 points. Clark was also responsible for handing the Pirates their first lead of the game with his famous mid-range jumper with 12:15 remaining in the duel.
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Including his eight assists, five steals, and just a single turnover, Clark mimicked a similar performance that would have made Whitehead smile. Back on Feb. 25, 2016, Whitehead dazzled against the Friars with a stat line of 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four blocks. Seton Hall also won that game at home.
So, since that loss to St. John’s, where he only had three points, what has changed for the star guard?
“Just being more confident, being more efficient, try to find ways to win games, whether it’s scoring, passing, getting steals,” Clark said postgame. “Just trying to find ways to win.”
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As a whole, the Pirates were hungrier in the second half. Shooting an impressive 58.6 percent from the field and committing zero turnovers, something awakened in the Pirates to conclude the game.
Defensively, after being suffocated by Providence’s perimeter shooting in the first half, the Pirates held the visitors to 29.4 percent from downtown in the last 20 minutes. Turnovers were also an issue for the Friars, coughing up the ball 18 times Wednesday night.
For Seton Hall, it was a much-needed victory, one that made head coach Shaheen Holloway proud after the collapse that occurred on Saturday. Holloway gave the press an idea of Saturday’s loss postgame.
“It was tough, it was a tough loss,” Holloway said about the Creighton loss. “The locker room wasn’t great… I had to make sure I take care of those guys.”
One player who did receive praise outside of Clark was sophomore center Godswill Erheriene. Erheriene, who has seen his minutes decrease this season, was good in his seven minutes of action on Wednesday. He finished the night with six points, two rebounds, and lots of smiles from his teammates and coach.
“Godswill had really good reps the last two days, and I thought it was good for him,” Holloway said. “It was good for us, and like I know he could do these things. He did it for us last year. Now it’s up to him to want to do it.”
The Pirates will be back on the road Sunday when they head to Indianapolis to take on Butler. Seton Hall will be looking to get back at the Bulldogs, who defeated the Pirates at home on Jan. 17. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. on FS1.
