PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Alpha Diallo scored a career-high 35 points and Providence upset No. 10 Seton 74-71 on Saturday night much to the joy of Friars fans who stormed the court.
Luwane Pipkins added 13 points for the Friars, who avenged a 73-64 loss to Seton Hall last month.
The Pirates (18-7, 11-2 Big East) got 27 points from Myles Powell, while Quincy McKnight added 14 points, though he was just 1 for 8 from the field. Seton Hall, in first place in the conference, has dropped back-to-back games for the second time this season.
The Friars (14-12, 7-6) stormed to a 20-2 lead and led by as many as 25 points in the first half. The Pirates regrouped behind a 12-2 run to pull within 41-27 at halftime.
Seton Hall continued to make a strong push in the second half but couldn’t quite catch the Friars, who snapped a two-game losing streak.
Providence led by 10 with 1:42 remaining and needed to withstand some hot shooting down the stretch to secure the win. The Friars were able to keep the pressure on the Pirates by making eight straight free throws inside the game’s final minute.
Providence shot 36 percent for the game while Seton Hall connected at a 37 percent clip. Diallo, the New York City product, made all five of his 3-point attempts and was 8 of 9 from the free throw line.
Despite the loss, the Pirates remain on track to receive a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Entering Saturday, Seton Hall ranked tied for second in the country — with fellow Big East member Butler and current No. 1 Baylor — with 13 combined Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins.