The Pirates of Seton Hall are set to battle the Villanova Wildcats in a Big East Conference basketball game Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in The Pavilion.
Seton Hall (15-3, 4-2) has seen a resurgence of its program this year under Kevin Willard, who has stressed defense and constant energy from his group. The Pirates are looking to make it back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.
Seton Hall is also trying to avoid starting a losing streak tonight after suffering heartache in a defeat to South Florida, 56-55, last Friday.
The Wildcats (8-10, 1-5) are a totally different story. Jay Wright just can't seem to rally his troops. Villanova has been abysmal since starting the year with four straight wins. The team has been a sieve on defense routinely giving up totals in the high 70s and 80s.
Wright's boys are also limited from outside. They only shoot 30 percent as a team from beyond the arc. As a team the Wildcats only have three players who seriously contribute on offense. The most prolific of the group is Maalik Wyans who averages 18 points per game.
The Pirates will continue trying to play solid defense and be efficient offensively. The trio of Herb Pope, Jordan Theodore and Fuquan Edwin has proven hard to handle for opponents. Combined, they average just less than 48 points per contest.
Seton Hall should have no problem being rested and ready to go on the road against the worst team in the Big East save Pittsburgh.
The game can be seen tonight on ESPNU.
-- For more Seton Hall and Villanova basketball news go to Big East Coast Bias.