Game Preview: Seton Hall vs. Providence

When: December 31

Where: Newark, NJ

Time: 2:30 EST

How to Watch: Fox Sports 1

Seton Hall’s Outlook

Sterling Gibbs returned to the floor after hyperextending his knee against St. Peter’s, playing 18 minutes and scoring 14 points against the Leopards. Gibbs’ injury was gruesome to the eye, but the Pirates lucked out as their PG and primary playmaker missed just one game.

While Gibbs, along with Fuquan Edwin and Patrik Auda, continues to work back from his injury, Gene Teague might find himself on the sidelines.

The starting center for the Pirates suffered a scary concussion in the team’s last contest. Teague, who had posted 18 points and 11 rebounds in under 20 minutes, was taken out on a stretcher. It is unknown how long he’ll be on the sidelines after the "seizure-like" concussion described by Kevin Willard.

Scouting the Friars

Providence is legit.

Led by nearly 20 points a night from Bryce Cotton, the Friars have gone toe-to-toe with some of the nation’s top teams. They put up a fair showing against #3 Kentucky (65-79), and nearly upset #23 Massachusetts.

If all goes according to plan, Providence should be honored as the first of many Big East teams to beat Seton Hall.

The 10-3 Friars are deep, big and get solid contributions on both side of the ball from all players.

Prediction

In Gibbs and Edwin, Seton Hall has enough firepower to pull off an upset. But with Teague presumably out, it’s hard to see the Pirates slowing down Providence on either end of the floor.

Providence 84, Seton Hall 71