INDIANAPOLIS – The Seton Hall Pirates (17-8, 7-7) travel to Indianapolis on Sunday, February 15th, to face the Butler Bulldogs (13-12, 4-10) in a crucial Big East Conference showdown. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Eastern at Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the game will be televised on FS1, with Kevin Lee and Dickey Simpkins calling the action.
Coming off an 87-80 victory over Providence on Wednesday, completing their first season sweep of the Friars since the 2017-18 season, the Pirates are looking to continue their momentum. This game presents a significant opportunity for Seton Hall to bolster their position in the conference standings as they navigate a competitive Big East landscape. The Pirates have demonstrated a knack for closing out games, particularly when scoring over 70 points, boasting a 13-1 record in such contests this season.
A key factor in Seton Hall’s recent success has been the stellar play of guard Budd Clark. Clark delivered a standout performance against Providence, scoring 31 points, dishing out eight assists, and recording five steals – a stat line not seen from a BIG EAST player in a regulation game since at least 1996-97. In fact, it was the first 30-point performance by a Pirate since Jared Rhoden scored 30 against Xavier on February 26, 2022.
The Pirates’ success isn’t solely reliant on Clark’s individual brilliance. Tajuan Simpkins continues to create a strong case for BIG EAST Sixth Man of the Year, leading all qualified reserves in the conference with 10.8 points per game. Simpkins has proven essential to the Pirates’ wins, averaging 12.5 points and shooting 50% from the field in Seton Hall’s 17 victories.
Pirates Dominant at Hinkle Fieldhouse
Seton Hall has a strong track record at Hinkle Fieldhouse, having gone 6-2 there since the 2019-20 season. This includes a pair of victories in the semifinals and championship game of the 2024 NIT. Their defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, currently ranking 17th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 65.4 points per game, and 13th in blocks per game with an average of 5.4. Freshman Najai Hines leads the team and ranks 22nd in the nation, and first among all freshmen, with 2.1 blocks per game.
Clark’s Historic Performance
Clark’s recent performance against Providence places him in rare company. He is the first BIG EAST player since at least 1996-97 to achieve such a stat line in a regulation game. The last BIG EAST player to compile similar numbers in any game was Jonny Flynn, who had 34 points, 11 assists, and 6 steals in a six-overtime classic against UConn in the 2009 BIG EAST Tournament. Over his last five games, Clark is averaging 22.4 points, 5.0 assists, 2.4 steals, and shooting 56% from the field.
Defensive Strength and Recent Trends
Shaheen Holloway’s squad consistently limits opponents’ scoring opportunities. They have held 19 of their 25 opponents to under 70 points, posting a 14-5 record in those games. They’ve limited 12 teams to 65 points or less, achieving a 10-2 record in those contests. The Pirates’ recent win over Providence was an outlier, marking the first time they’ve won a regulation game while allowing 80 or more points since December 17, 2023, against Missouri (93-87).
Stephon Payne has also been a force on the boards, recording three games this season with 15 or more rebounds, a significant improvement from prior seasons where he had zero such games. Coach Holloway is one of 51 coaches nationwide currently coaching at their alma mater.
The Pirates have shown resilience this season, overcoming halftime deficits in their recent wins over Marquette (69-64 on January 31st) and Georgetown (76-67 on January 10th). They also rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat Creighton 56-54 on January 4th at the Prudential Center.
Looking ahead, Seton Hall will aim to continue their strong defensive play and capitalize on Clark’s offensive prowess as they face a Butler team looking to improve their standing in the Big East. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have implications for the conference tournament seeding.
What are your thoughts on Seton Hall’s chances against Butler? Share your predictions in the comments below!
