Seton Hall’s Late-Game Missteps Lead to 69-67 Loss Against Providence in Big East Thriller

The Seton Hall Pirates endured another heartbreaking loss on Tuesday, falling 69-67 to the Providence Friars in a thrilling Big East battle. Fans at the Prudential Center were fully engaged throughout, as the game featured dramatic momentum swings and intense moments. Despite a valiant second-half comeback, Seton Hall fell just short, extending their losing streak to six games.

The first half was a defensive showdown, with Providence taking a 30-26 lead into the half. Both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm, as defensive pressure forced tough shots and multiple turnovers. Seton Hall tried to generate momentum with aggressive drives to the rim, but Providence’s defense remained disciplined, contesting nearly every shot.

One of the biggest differences in the game was three-point shooting. Providence capitalized on their perimeter opportunities, shooting 42% from beyond the arc, while Seton Hall managed just 18%. The Friars' long-range efficiency proved crucial, with Jayden Pierre leading the charge with 16 points.

Bensley Joseph played a key role in the Friars' victory, contributing 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. His ability to score efficiently while impacting the game on both ends gave Providence an advantage in key moments. Corey Floyd Jr., Oswin Erhunmwunse, and Jabri Abdur-Rahim also reached double figures, highlighting the team’s all-around effort.

Seton Hall’s Prince Aligbe was the standout performer of the night, scoring a game-high 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Aligbe was instrumental in the Pirates' second-half surge, helping them erase a 15-point deficit and put themselves in a position to win. He energized his team and the crowd, shifting the momentum in the Pirates’ favor. Dylan Addae-Wusu also stepped up, adding 13 points, 4 steals, and 2 assists.

Unfortunately for Seton Hall, their leading scorer Isaiah Coleman had a night to forget. He went scoreless from the field (0-for-10) and finished with just 2 points. His struggles were compounded in the final moments when he missed a crucial free throw after being fouled on a three-point attempt. A lane violation on his third attempt negated a made free throw, further dampening Seton Hall’s chances.

The Pirates still had one last opportunity when Providence’s Christ Essandoko missed two free throws in the final seconds. Coleman grabbed the rebound and launched a desperation half-court heave that could have won the game, but the shot went just wide. It was a fittingly frustrating end to a night filled with missed opportunities.

Seton Hall now sits at 1-9 in Big East play, desperately needing a win to regain confidence. They’ll look to rebound against DePaul in their next matchup. Meanwhile, Providence improves to 11-10 (5-5 Big East), climbing to sixth in the conference standings. The Friars will try to build on this momentum as they prepare to face top-seeded St. John’s in their next contest.

Key Takeaways:

• Three-Point Edge: Providence shot 42% from three while Seton Hall struggled at 18%.
• Balanced Attack: Five Friars scored in double figures, compared to just three Pirates.
• Defensive Playmaking: Seton Hall forced 19 turnovers, including 12 steals, and turned them into 27 points, fueling their second-half comeback.