Newark, N.J. — Adam Clark delivered one of his strongest performances of the season Wednesday night, pouring in 31 points to power Seton Hall past Providence, 87-80, in Big East action at the Rock.
Clark filled the stat sheet with eight assists and five steals as the Pirates improved to 17-8 overall and 7-7 in conference play. A.J. Staton-McCray added 18 points, knocking down three 3-pointers, while TJ Simpkins chipped in 13 points on efficient shooting, including two deep jumpers from beyond the arc.
Providence (11-14, 4-10 Big East) was led by Jaylin Sellers, who tallied 23 points, six boards, and four assists. Stefan Vaaks poured in 20 points and Jason Edwards added 11 for the Friars.
The Friars came out firing, connecting on nine 3-pointers in the first half — their second-highest total in a half this season — and shooting better than 55 percent from the field before intermission. Eight different Providence players found the scoring column in the opening 20 minutes, with Sellers and Edwards pacing the attack with nine points apiece. Providence carried a 43-39 lead into the locker room and held an 18-14 edge on the glass.
Seton Hall flipped the script after halftime behind Clark’s offensive surge. The guard erupted for 21 second-half points, helping the Pirates regain control with improved defensive pressure. The Pirates finished the night with 11 steals, marking its 21st game this season with at least eight takeaways.
While the Pirates were outrebounded and finished with a season-low 26 boards in a victory, their offensive efficiency proved decisive. Seton Hall shot 43.8 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, while converting 7 of 9 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
The matchup marked the 118th all-time meeting between the programs. With the victory, Seton Hall improved to 58-60 against Providence and completed its first season sweep of the Friars since the 2017-18 campaign.
Clark’s 31-point effort — a season high and just one shy of his career best — highlighted a statement second half that lifted the Pirates to a key conference win.
