The Seton Hall Pirates were back in action at the Prudential Center today to take on the Creighton Bluejays. The Pirates were looking to defend their home court where they have been unbeaten this season. The Pirates would be beaten up in this one and would fall to the Bluejays 82-67. Before the game we had the privilege of talking to Anthony Robinson. Anthony writes about Creighton basketball for The Creightonian and has a wealth of knowledge on the team. You can check out his interview with us in our previous post.
The first half was highlighted by both teams going on runs. The Pirates would get on the board first and would trade leads with Creighton throughout the first few minutes of the game. Derrick Gordon would give the Pirates a 5 point lead with 8:32 remaining in the first half. That lead was the largest lead of the day for the Pirates. With 6:16 remaining in the 1st half, Cole Huff would knock down a 3 and give the Bluejays a 1 point lead. From there, the Bluejays would pad and protect that lead. Ultimately Creighton would go to the locker room with a 41-33 lead. The Pirates had an 8-2 run answered by a lengthy Creighton run in the first half.
The Bluejays were led in the first half by a balanced attack. Maurice Watson Jr. led the Bluejays with 7 points and 8 assists. Isiah Zierden, Zach Hanson, and Khyri Thomas each scored 6 points in the first half. Cole Huff, Toby Hegner, and Zach Hanson each grabbed 3 boards for the Bluejays.
The Pirates were led by Angel Delgado in the first half. Delgado posted 8 points and 4 rebounds. Isaiah Whitehead added 8 points and 2 assists. Desi Rodriguez chipped in 6 points and 4 rebounds. Derrick Gordon also chipped in 6 points for the Hall.
We spoke with Anthony Robinson at half time to get his perspective on the game. He told us that Creighton would continue to have to be effective against Delgado down low. He also said that the Bluejays need to continue to take smart shots. Anthony was correct in his observations at halftime and before the game when he predicted a Creighton victory.
The second half was entirely controlled by Creighton. The Bluejays came out and immediately expanded their lead. A three ball from Isaiah Zierden gave the Bluejays a 13 point lead. A layup from Geoffrey Groselle gave Creighton a 20 point lead. Two minutes later Zierden hit another three ball to give Creighton a 21 point lead. This would be the largest lead of the day for the Bluejays. The Pirates would cut into the lead, but never get it down to single digits. Isaiah Whitehead, Desi Rodriguez, and Angel Delgado both were on the bench for significant portions of the half. The Pirates would ultimately fall to the Bluejays 82-67.
The Bluejays were led by Geoffrey Groselle with 20 points and 4 rebounds. Isaiah Zierden added 16 points and 4 steals. Maurice Watson Jr., the transfer from Boston University had a great game with 13 points and 14 assists. Khyri Thomas led the Bluejays with 7 rebounds, and Zach Hanson chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds.
The Pirates were led by Khadeen Carrington with 17 points. Isaiah Whitehead added 10 points, and Ismael Sanogo led the Pirates with 9 rebounds. Derrick Gordon had the most complete game for the Pirates as he scored 14 points and added 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
The Bluejays improve to 12-5 on the season and 3-1 in Big East play. The Pirates fall to 12-4 on the season and 2-2 in Big East play. The loss today was the first for the Pirates at home this season. Creighton will head home to take on Providence on Tuesday. The Pirates will be traveling to Providence to take on the Friars on Saturday.
A big thank you goes out to our friend Anthony Robinson. You can find him on twitter @ARobinson_. He is a great follow on twitter and he definitely knows his Big East basketball. Thank you again Anthony! Check out the PPI to see which Pirates performed well today. We will have full coverage and a recap of the Providence game on Saturday, January 16. Until then, Hazard Zet Forward.
Blue Beard Army 