The Wildcats haven't lost a Big East game in a year. Will Hall fans make their presence felt?
One thing is certain when fourth-ranked Villanova comes to the Prudential Center tonight riding a 21-game Big East winning streak that dates back exactly one year.
Seton Hall won?t be intimidated.
The Pirates (13-4, 3-2) have a recent history of success against the Wildcats (16-2, 6-0) and played a competitive game in a nine-point loss two weeks ago at the Pavilion. Here is a glance at the rivalry?s background followed by three keys for the Hall when the ball goes up at 9 p.m. (CBS Sports Network).
Derrick Gordon doing it all for Seton Hall
Since the Big East was reconstituted, Seton Hall is the only team to have beaten Villanova in each of the first two years. Historically, the Hall is 4-9 against Nova when the latter is ranked in the Associated Press Top 10.
Key No. 1: Man up against Daniel Ochefu. Villanova?s big man has ripped Seton Hall to shreds in the last three meetings, averaging 17 points and 18 rebounds while shooting 67 percent from the field. Much-improved junior Josh Hart (15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds) might be the Wildcats? best player, but Ochefu owns this matchup. Seton Hall sophomore Angel Delgado must fight for better position on the glass and on defense.
Key No. 2: Get to the free-throw line. In the last three meetings, Villanova has made a total of 26 more trips to the stripe. This year the Wildcats have attempted the fewest free throws in the Big East, but lead the league in percentage (.759). Seton Hall is shooting .653, which ranks ninth. So the Pirates need to get there more often by attacking the rim or the disparity could be decisive.
Key No. 3: Get some crowd support. Seton Hall?s average home attendance of 6,218 ranks eighth in the Big East, ahead of only winless St. John?s and DePaul. The lone game with juice in the atmosphere was a win over Wichita State last month. That was a noon tip. This is 9 p.m. We expect a packed student section, including the return of the lobsters. Will the non-students bring it?
One thing is certain when fourth-ranked Villanova comes to the Prudential Center tonight riding a 21-game Big East winning streak that dates back exactly one year.
Seton Hall won?t be intimidated.
The Pirates (13-4, 3-2) have a recent history of success against the Wildcats (16-2, 6-0) and played a competitive game in a nine-point loss two weeks ago at the Pavilion. Here is a glance at the rivalry?s background followed by three keys for the Hall when the ball goes up at 9 p.m. (CBS Sports Network).
Derrick Gordon doing it all for Seton Hall
Since the Big East was reconstituted, Seton Hall is the only team to have beaten Villanova in each of the first two years. Historically, the Hall is 4-9 against Nova when the latter is ranked in the Associated Press Top 10.
Key No. 1: Man up against Daniel Ochefu. Villanova?s big man has ripped Seton Hall to shreds in the last three meetings, averaging 17 points and 18 rebounds while shooting 67 percent from the field. Much-improved junior Josh Hart (15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds) might be the Wildcats? best player, but Ochefu owns this matchup. Seton Hall sophomore Angel Delgado must fight for better position on the glass and on defense.
Key No. 2: Get to the free-throw line. In the last three meetings, Villanova has made a total of 26 more trips to the stripe. This year the Wildcats have attempted the fewest free throws in the Big East, but lead the league in percentage (.759). Seton Hall is shooting .653, which ranks ninth. So the Pirates need to get there more often by attacking the rim or the disparity could be decisive.
Key No. 3: Get some crowd support. Seton Hall?s average home attendance of 6,218 ranks eighth in the Big East, ahead of only winless St. John?s and DePaul. The lone game with juice in the atmosphere was a win over Wichita State last month. That was a noon tip. This is 9 p.m. We expect a packed student section, including the return of the lobsters. Will the non-students bring it?
