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Villanova hosts Seton Hall in pivotal Big East matchup

The Pirates could extend their first-place lead to three games with seven to play, but ‘Nova could get right back in the hunt with a victory.

By RobertONeill31
NCAA Basketball: Big East Tournament Final-Villanova vs Seton Hall Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time this season, the Big East leading Seton Hall Pirates (17-5, 9-1) square off with the second play Villanova Wildcats (17-5, 7-3) Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Pirates won their last game, picking up a 78-71 victory over the Georgetown Hoyas to get back on track after their first conference loss of the season last weekend against Xavier. Myles Powell had 34 points in the win over Georgetown, extending his season PPG to 22.0, second in the conference behind Markus Howard. It seems obvious, but a big key to stopping Seton Hall is slowing Powell down. If Villanova can do that, they should be able to find a way to win.

Villanova didn’t fare so well their last time out, losing 79-76 to Butler at the buzzer at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Collin Gillespie and Saddiq Bey both excelled, though, scoring 57 of Nova’s 76 points. For Seton Hall to be able to succeed on Saturday, they’ll have to slow ‘Nova’s two-headed scoring attack down.

How to watch or stream

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

TV: FOX

Streaming: FOX Sports Go

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