Bubble Battle: Seton Hall Takes on #12 Creighton in Pivotal Matchup
In a game with major NCAA Tournament implications, the Seton Hall Pirates (18-9, 11-5 Big East) battle the #12 Creighton Bluejays (20-8, 11-6 Big East) on February 28th in Omaha, Nebraska. Tip-off is at 9 PM EST.
Creighton Aims to Rebound at Home – With Offensive Firepower
After a hot streak that included an upset of top-ranked UConn, the Bluejays stumbled on the road against St. John’s. They’ll be looking to regain momentum in front of a strong home crowd, where they hold a 12-2 record this season. Creighton boasts significant advantages in scoring, ranking 32nd nationally (80.8 points per game) compared to Seton Hall’s 196th ranking (73.3 points). They also outpace the Pirates in field goal percentage, ranking 19th (48.8%) against Seton Hall’s 151st (45.2%). Both teams excel at the free throw line, but Creighton holds an edge in 3-point shooting (36.2%, 59th nationally) over Seton Hall (31.6%, 292nd).
Seton Hall’s Desperate Fight for a Bid
Despite their strong standing in the Big East, the Pirates find themselves squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. A big road win against a ranked Creighton team would go a long way in boosting their resume. However, predictive models favor the Bluejays, and Seton Hall will be challenged offensively.
History Repeats Itself?
The last matchup between these teams was a triple-overtime thriller in January, where Creighton prevailed 97-94. This game promises equal intensity, with considerably higher stakes for Seton Hall’s postseason hopes.
Key Questions
- Can Seton Hall’s gritty defense overcome Creighton’s offensive firepower, home-court advantage, and secure a much-needed win?
- Will the Bluejays bounce back from their loss to St. John’s or will the Pirates take advantage of their weakened momentum?
- In a game where every possession matters, who will step up under the pressure of a do-or-die bubble battle?
Our Pick
SETON HALL +8.5