A frantic comeback bid by Butler fell just short as Seton Hall was able to come away with a 66-60 win Wednesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

A 20-2 run by the host Pirates gave Seton Hall a 56-40 advantage with 6:35 remaining. At that point, Butler had made only two of 15 attempts from the field in the second half. Butler's offense would heat up as the Bulldogs scored the next 13 points to make it a three-point game (56-53) with 3:30 remaining.

The teams would trade points as Butler cut it to two on three occasions over the final two minutes. Four late free throws gave Seton Hall (17-9, 8-8 BIG EAST) the final margin.

Jared Rhoden led four Pirates in double figures with 17 points. Seton Hall used 15 offensive rebounds to hold a 38-32 edge on the glass.

Bo Hodges led Butler with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting. That was a new high for the senior in a Butler uniform. Bryce Nze posted 12 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

Butler falls to 13-16 and 6-12 in conference play.

Entering tonight's contest, six of Butler's last eight game had been decided by three points or less. Wednesday's game was a two-point margin with six seconds to play.

The first half featured nine lead changes and the seventh tie of the opening half sent the teams into the locker rooms at 34-34. Hodges had 14 for Butler (on 6-of-8 shooting), while Rhoden countered with 12 (including the Pirates' final seven) in the first half.

Seton Hall won the first match-up between the two teams Jan. 4 at Hinkle Fieldhouse (71-56).

The Bulldogs continue a road swing that will take the team to Milwaukee on Saturday for a 1 pm (12 pm CT) tip against Marquette.