The Providence College men’s basketball team faced a challenging defeat against Seton Hall on Friday night, succumbing to a late-game surge that saw them outscored 6-0 in the final minute and two seconds of play. This loss brings the Friars’ record to 7-6 overall and 0-2 in the Big East Conference, while Seton Hall improves to 11-1 and 1-0 in the conference.
Pirates Prevail
As the game unfolded, the Friars found themselves trailing at halftime, with a score of 35-28. However, the second half proved to be a dynamic contest filled with momentum shifts. Providence managed to take the lead several times, notably leading 67-66 with just 1:16 remaining. Unfortunately, the momentum slipped away in the closing moments.
Seton Hall’s Tajuan Simpkins delivered a pivotal three-pointer with 1:02 left, pushing the Pirates ahead 69-67. A missed three-pointer by Providence’s Stefan Vaaks followed, and with Seton Hall maintaining their lead, Budd Clark added a jumper in the paint with only 17 seconds remaining, extending the lead to 71-67. Coach Kim English opted to let his team play through the final moments without calling a timeout, but a missed layup by Jaylin Sellers sealed the Friars’ fate. A subsequent foul allowed Seton Hall to extend their lead to 72-67, concluding the game with the Pirates victorious.
FIRST HALF:
- Seton Hall opened the scoring with a three-pointer on their first possession, but Providence quickly responded with a layup from Jamier Jones.
- After a slow offensive start, the Friars took their first lead with a three-pointer from Jaylin Sellers, leading 6-4 at the first media timeout.
- Following a foul drawn by Sellers, he converted both free throws, extending the lead to 8-4.
- Ryan Mela ended an 8-0 run by Seton Hall with a fast-break basket.
- Oswin Erhunmwunse contributed with two foul shots, narrowing the Pirates’ lead to two points.
- After a defensive stop, Erhunmwunse tied the game with a two-handed dunk.
- Providence broke Seton Hall’s press with a spectacular alley-oop dunk from Jones.
- Corey Floyd Jr. halted an 11-0 run by Seton Hall with a powerful finish.
- Stefan Vaaks made a three-pointer to bring the Friars within four points as the half drew to a close.
- Seton Hall led 35-28 at halftime, with Providence shooting 32.1% from the field.
SECOND HALF:
- The Friars began the second half with a turnover that led to three successful free throws from Edwards, narrowing the gap to 35-31.
- Seton Hall responded with two quick baskets, prompting a timeout from Providence.
- Emerging from the timeout, Sellers scored, but Seton Hall quickly countered with a three-pointer.
- Vaaks hit another three-pointer, keeping the Friars competitive.
- Providence surged ahead with a 10-0 run, taking a 46-45 lead.
- As the game progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with the Friars briefly holding a one-point advantage late in the game.
- However, Seton Hall’s late-game execution proved decisive, culminating in a 72-67 victory.
DATA:
- Providence shot 39.6% from the field and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
- Seton Hall recorded a shooting percentage of 45.5% from the field.
- Four Friars scored in double figures: Vaaks (15), Sellers (13), Jones (11), and Edwards (10).
- Edwards led the team in assists with five.
- Historically, the Friars hold a 60-57 record against Seton Hall.
Looking ahead, the Friars are set to return to the court in the New Year, traveling to Madison Square Garden to face St. John’s on January 3, with the game scheduled to be streamed on Fox.
