<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/pirates-look-to-defend-the-rock-against-first-place-creighton.html" dsn="news"><pubdate>01/03/2026</pubdate><author>AJ Rayer</author><hero-image><img src="/images/tj-simpkins-1-3.jpg" alt="Seton Hall Guard Tajuan Simpkins"/></hero-image><hero-image-credit>GR Productions</hero-image-credit><category>sports</category><title>Pirates Look to Defend the Rock Against First Place Creighton</title><description>The Seton Hall Pirates (12-2, 2-1) will kick off 2026 at home against the Creighton Bluejays (9-5, 3-0) in a matchup between two of the BIG EAST’s hottest teams.</description></item>