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Senior Night For The Pirates Ends With A Loss

January 25, 2024

What a matchup at Walsh Gymnasium between the #21-ranked Creighton Blue Jays and the Seton Hall Pirates. Fans understood the game would be crucial not only because it was Senior Day, but also because the Blue Jays are one of the Pirates' most popular virals. The last time the Hall came out on top against Creighton was on January 17, 2020, at home and they've been 0-4 since, with aspirations of finally breaking their losing streak.

Seton Hall had the building erupting every quarter, minute, and second, and despite some issues with shot execution in the first quarter, they were able to keep the game close in the first half. The Blue Jays performed an excellent job of finding their players on the court, noticing who is open and has space away from their defender to connect for shots. They would complete the first quarter shooting 53.3% from the floor, while the Pirates shot 37.5%, and Creighton would lead 22-15 entering the second quarter.

It still took a little bit of time for the Pirates to get in their groove but when they were in their mode, THERE WERE IN IT. They executed their defensive strategy effectively against the Blue Jays, putting a lot of pressure on their offense, resulting in 4 turnovers in the second. While Creighton was searching for ways to get more points on the board, Seton Hall was too busy putting on a show.

The Pirates eventually caught up, they scored 19 points and took the lead for the first time in the game. The Hall led 30-29 after Guard Kae Satterfield collected an offensive board and put the ball up for a layup with 3:16 left before the half. Their tight man on man defense would limit the Blue Jays 4-16 shooting in the quarter.

With the Pirates leading 34-32 at halftime, they realized how difficult their opponents were and that they couldn't let their guard down because the Blue Jays were right behind them, ready to match their energy. For the majority of the third quarter, there was a lot of back and forth. If the Pirates scored, the Blue Jays would come right back with a jumper to keep the game neck and neck. The Hall's highest advantage this quarter was 8 points, 42-34 with 5:47 remaining, eventually Creighton creeped up from behind and snatched the lead back. Guard Morgan Maly drained a three point jumper to put the Blue Jays ahead 45-42 with 2:52 left in the quarter.

Creighton would hold on to the advantage until the end of the game, but it was a fight in the fourth quarter, with the Hall having a couple one-possession opportunities but unable to capitalize. The Pirates fell 72-65 and are currently 16-13 on the season.