Powell, Seton Hall wins important game over Creighton

With just nine games remaining in the regular season, Seton Hall faced a tall task. To solidify their standing with the NCAA Tournament Committee, the Pirates would most likely have to win six of their final nine games to feel good about a tournament berth. Throw in a win or two in the Big East Tournament, and they could guarantee themselves a spot in March Madness.

Seton Hall took its first steps towards their goal after a 63-58 win over Creighton on Saturday night. Myles Powell once again stepped up scoring 22 points, including 13 in the second half. The win came despite shooting just 33 percent from the field and getting outrebounded.

The first half was a knock-down drag-out half for both The Hall and Creighton. Both teams struggled shooting from the floor as the Pirates held Creighton (13-11, 3-7) to just 29 percent shooting. The first half also saw Seton Hall’s top two guards Powell and Quincy McKnight pick two fouls apiece. The Pirates struggled with turnovers as they picked up eight in the opening 20 minutes. Seton Hall held a two-point advantage after the first half as Powell led the way with nine points.

Seton Hall (14-9, 5-6) fell into a second-half drought as Creighton went on a 25-7 run in the second half. After Creighton’s run, Powell scored 13 of Seton Hall’s final 15 points, including three foul shots, to put Seton Hall ahead with under less than two minutes to go.

“When he plays with that sense of urgency and that fire he had tonight he’s just unstoppable,’’ said Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard said. “I’m trying to get him to have that intensity and sense of urgency from the start. He plays so darn hard and gives it his all, I don’t want to say he takes plays off, but at times I think he kind of takes a rest offensively.’’

Quincy McKnight scored 14 points for The Hall while Sandro Mamukelashvili led the team with ten rebounds. With the win, Seton Hall moved into a five-way tie for third place in the Big East. The victory became even more critical due to the Pirates next game will be against Georgetown, one of the teams they are tied with in conference.

Martin Krampelj led the Bluejays with 25 points and 11 rebounds in the defeat. The Pirates held Creighton to no field goals for the final 4:35 of the game.

What’s Next For Seton Hall

The Pirates welcome Patrick Ewing and the Georgetown Hoyas (15-9, 5-6) to The Rock for a Wednesday night matchup. Gametime is set for 7 p.m.