Seton Hall blows a lead, but survives to fight another day

With 13:36 left in the game, Herb Pope caught an alley-oop to put Seton Hall up 76-47.

Providence had scored eight points in the first 6:24 of the half, and with nothing left to play for, it seemed as if the Friars had all but given up on the season.

Or at least that's what Seton Hall thought.

By the time things were all said and not, Big East tournament records were broken, two teams were in triple figures, and the Friars had missed a three that would have tied the game.

The numbers posted in this game were ridiculous. Take a look:

• Both teams broke the record for points in a Big East tournament game, scoring 109 and 106 to break the old record of 103, scored by Seton Hall in 1993.
• Jamine Peterson had 38 points and 16 boards, setting Providence's Big East scoring record previously held by Billy Donovan from 1987.
  
• Along with Peterson, the Friars had four other starters reach double figures ... and they still lost.
• Seton Hall also had all five starters hit double figures.
  
• The two teams combined to shoot 146 field goals and 82 free throws. It probably then makes sense that neither team had more than 14 turnovers.
• PC outscored the Hall 59-33 over the last 13:36 of this game, and still lost.
  

Let's put it simply: composure is not one of Seton Hall's strong suits. They handed this game to Providence on a silver platter. From the 1:48 mark on, Seton Hall turned the ball over five times, including on four straight possessions. They missed late free throws, including two form Jeff Robinson with 8.5 seconds left and a three point lead. They took quick shots instead of working the clock. They missed an opportunity to foul instead of allowing PC the chance to tie the game.

And while all of that makes us question how good Seton Hall really is, the one stat that matters is the 1 that is added to Seton Hall's win column.

Remember, the Hall is still fighting for a tournament spot, and Bobby Gonzalez did his darnedest to let the committee know at the press conference, intercepting a question directed at his players.

"We have 19 wins, we have no bad losses", Gonzalez said, "we beat Notre Dame at our place. A lot of people are saying they're in. We know it's a big game. If we win, now, all of a sudden we swept Notre Dame, we have 20 wins. We'll leave it up to the people to make the decision. We want to keep playing."

Why did he keep mentioning Notre Dame?

Well, the Pirates play Notre Dame tomorrow.

Both Notre Dame and Seton Hall are on the bubble. Tomorrow' matchup could very well turn into a play-in game.

And if it is anywhere near as exciting as the last five minutes here tonight, we are in for a treat.