Seton Hall vs. Marquette: 3-Point Preview

1) Hall have never won in Milwaukee

Many forget that the buzzer beater that Sterling Gibbs hit at Madison Square Garden last year to beat Villanova was not the only one that he made last season. Gibbs also made a three pointer at the buzzer at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee against Marquette at the end of the game. However, the Pirates were down by four points, and Gibbs is not a Harlem Globetrotter, so Seton Hall lost by one point. In fact, the Golden Eagles lead the all-time series against The Hall 13-2 with both of those Pirate wins coming at home.

For the Pirates to get their first win at a tough environment like the Bradley Center, they will need to get big performances from some of their veterans. Brandon Mobley and Jaren Sina need to have solid games along with Gibbs and Angel Delgado. If that happens Seton Hall will win this game. A sprinkle of Khadeen Carrington would be great as well. It seems whenever the Pirates get production from Gibbs and Carrington they are in good shape.

2) Golden Eagles are gritty and tough

Marquette is 2-5 in the Big East headed into this one, but they have not played like it. In conference play, they are 2-1 at home and their four road losses were decided by six points or less. Two statistics are behind the solid play from the Golden Eagles. Defensively, Marquette grabs 8.5 steals per game, which is ranked 21st in the entire country. The success of this team starts on defense and the Golden Eagles only surrender an average of 65.1 points per game, which is pretty good.

It has not just been about the defense. On the offensive side of the ball, the Golden Eagles average 15.2 assists per game, which is 40th in the nation. This team can move the ball extremely well, which opens up opportunities for players like Matt Carlino and Duane Wilson to get their shots.

3) Must win for the Pirates

The Golden Eagles need this game too, but as the great color commentator Pepper Brooks from the movie Dodgeball would say, the Pirates really want to win this one. If Seton Hall can win this game, it can all start to realign for The Hall. Of course, it will not be easy and looking down the road is not an option, but this game is vital to the Pirates getting back on track and keeping their opponents Marquette off of their backs in the standings.

With 11 games to go, The Hall cannot afford to fall too far behind in the standings even with Isaiah Whitehead coming back for the stretch run. As much as the Pirates would love to have him in their lineup they have to win this game to stop the bleeding before the adhesive bandage that is Whitehead can completely heal the recent wounds.