Struggling 'Cats host Seton Hall

vs.

Villanova Wildcats (13-8, 3-6 BE) vs.
Seton Hall Pirates (15-8, 5-5 BE)

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2008
Location: The Pavilion (Villanova, PA)
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST
Television: ESPNU

Seton Hall coverage: Pirates Plank || Seton Hall Fanhouse

Villanova looks to avoid its sixth straight loss Saturday night when the Wildcats welcome the Seton Hall Pirates into the Pavilion for a Saturday evening matchup.

Seton Hall, allowing 78 points per game, got blown out by 26 points in Newark, N.J. Wednesday night at the hands of Notre Dame, and now sits at 5-5 in conference play.

Like Villanova, Seton Hall's offense comes primarily from its outstanding guards, most notably G/F Brian Laing (19.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.0 apg).

Eugene Harvey, a sophomore guard out of Brooklyn, is the team's second-leading scorer at 15 points per game. Sensational Bronx freshman Jeremy Hazell, who averages 12.4 ppg, has had monsterous efforts in conference play, dropping 26 on Notre Dame, 29 against Louisville, and 28 versus UConn. Additionally, senior guard Jamar Nutter averages just over 10 points per game but provides stability and leadership in the backcourt, allowing for the more skilled and talented underclassmen to flourish.

Villanova's backcourt should have its hands full guarding the Pirates' ball handlers, who have a tendency take their defenders off the dribble and to the hoop. Only one regularly playing guard (Nutter) averages close to 40 percent from 3-point range, so Villanova may be able to afford to play a step off their respective assignments, preventing Seton Hall from blowing by the likes of Reynolds, Fisher, Redding, and Grant. However, with the way the 'Cats defend the 3, this may not be the best option.

Although Sophomore center John Garcia pulls down 7.5 rpg, he has been held in check in Big East play, with most of his strong rebounding performances coming against the likes of Navy, St. Peter's, and Penn State.

Look for the 'Cats to finally pull out a win, much to the delight of the home crowd. Even with Seton Hall's offensive capabilities, I think the storyline of this game will be Cunningham, Drummond, and Pena's tenacity on the boards. This will prevent Seton Hall from accruing second-chance points and will allow for extra offensive opportunities for 'Nova.

Keys to the game

Pressure Seton Hall guards: As a team, the Pirates have an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.1:1. While this statistic is similar to most Big East teams ('Nova is 1:1 A/TO), playmakers like Hazell and Garcia have poor ratios of 1:1.7 and 1:3, respectively. Case in point -- If 'Nova can shut down the guards' dribbles and force them to pass, chances are the turnovers for Seton Hall will accumulate.

Energy: The problems facing Villanova lately have begun from the opening tip. Not only have the 'Cats been unable to keep their stride the entire game, but they are having trouble doing it for even an entire HALF. Somebody on this team, whether it be a captain, a role player, or an underclassmen has to let his emotions show on the court and put it all out on the line. Which reminds me, was anybody having more fun on the court in the 'Nova/'Cuse game last weekend than Donte Greene? His high-fiving of teammates, jawing with the crowd, and general attitude infected the rest of his squad and literally propelled the Orange to victory. That is what Villanova needs not only to win this game, but to save the season.

X-factor

Scottie Reynolds: Regardless of whether or not the rumor of a fight breaking out between teammates is true, Reynolds, arguably the face of 2007-2008 Villanova basketball, has to keep his team under control. Yes, he is only a sophomore, but a captain at that. Reynold's play is indicative of how this team performs and if Scottie can light it up and get others involved, Villanova will come out of the game victorious

Predict the final score

As always, you may predict the final score of the game in the comments section below. The author of the closest prediction will receive a mention in the game recap.