Preview: Villanova Wildcats at Seton Hall Pirates

NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — A marquee early-season Big East showdown is set for Tuesday as the Villanova Wildcats visit the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center.

Both teams enter conference play with strong resumes. Seton Hall (11-1) has been one of the nation’s surprises, its only loss a two-point defeat at Southern California on Nov. 25. The Pirates are riding a six-game winning streak, most recently a 72-67 road victory at Providence on Friday behind a 22-point performance from guard TJ Simpkins.

Villanova (9-2) arrives after a tough overtime road win, 76-66 at Wisconsin last Friday. The Wildcats’ two losses came at then-Michigan (89-61) and in their season opener at BYU.

The matchup features two of the conference’s top guards. Villanova’s Duke Brennan is averaging 14.2 points per game and is coming off a 24-point outing against Pittsburgh. Seton Hall will counter with Simpkins, who is averaging 10.6 points and scored 22 in the Pirates’ last outing.

“These are the games you come to the Big East for,“ Villanova coach Kyle Neptune said. “Seton Hall is playing with great confidence and physicality. We’ll need to match that from the opening tip.“

Seton Hall’s defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to 64.8 points per game. They will be tested by a Villanova offense averaging 78.5 points.

“We know what Villanova is about: discipline, execution, great shooting,“ Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway said. “We have to defend without fouling and control the glass. It’s going to be a battle.“

The Pirates have not defeated Villanova at home since 2020. The teams will meet again in Philadelphia on Feb. 4.

Tuesday’s winner will gain immediate momentum in the Big East title race. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST, with television coverage on FS1.