Seton Hall makes another second-half comeback to beat Marquette

Field Level Media|published: Sat 31st January, 14:32 2026

Jan 31, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward Royce Parham (13) goes to the basket against Seton Hall Pirates guard Tajuan Simpkins (2) and forward Stephon Payne III (6) during the first half at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Adam Clark had a game-high 19 points and led another Seton Hall second-half surge in a 69-64 win over Marquette Saturday in Newark.

The Pirates (16-6, 6-5 in Big East) trailed by eight points at the half and didn't lead the game until the 14-minute mark of the second. Marquette (8-15, 3-9) was led by Royce Parham's 17 points.

Things got tight in the final four minutes as the game was tied at 58, 60, 62 and 64. AJ Staton-McCray sank a three from the wing to put Seton Hall ahead 67-64 with 1:18 left. After a Marquette timeout, the Golden Eagles turned the ball over then had to chase the Pirates because they had fouls to give.

After a Clark miss with 14 seconds left, Marquette attacked the basket in transition, but Nigel James Jr. missed a lay-up. Marquette committed a foul after Seton Hall inbounded the ball but still had one to give. Staton-McCray then threw a long inbounds pass into the front court to a streaking Clark who dribbled out precious seconds before being fouled with 2.9 seconds to go.

Clark made both free throws for the final margin. He finished the game 8-for-16 from the floor and 3-for-4 from the line along with six assists.

James Jr. had 16 points for Marquette and went 2-for-2 on threes. Staton-McCray was the only other player in double figures for Seton Hall with 11 points.

Marquette sank eight threes in the first half, matching their season average for a game in dominating the first half. After Clark tied the score at 14 on a drive for Seton Hall, the Golden Eagles went on an 8-3 run, bookended by three by James Jr. and Michael Phillips to take control.

With Clark on the bench with two fouls, Seton Hall went more than four minutes without a basket and Marquette led by nine on a three by Parham with 2:25 left in the half.

Rallying from first-half deficits has been the theme of the Pirates season. Seton Hall came back to beat Creighton, Georgetown and Xavier this season after being down double figures in the first half.

--Field Level Media

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