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Big East Basketball: Villanova vs. Seton Hall preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Jan 21, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) is introduced before a game against the Providence Friars at Wells Fargo Center. The Villanova Wildcats won 78-68. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) is introduced before a game against the Providence Friars at Wells Fargo Center. The Villanova Wildcats won 78-68. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seton Hall Pirates have what it takes to make it to the 2017 NCAA Tournament, but can they upset the No. 2 Villanova Wildcats at home?

TV Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. ET, FOX

Arena: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

The Seton Hall Pirates thought they watched their 2017 NCAA Tournament dreams pass them by when they lost to a significantly weaker St. John’s Red Storm team on the road. Instead of dropping their heads and thinking about what might have been, the team bounced back with a massive upset of the No. 20 Creighton Bluejays. Next up is a major test against arguably the best team in the country, the Villanova Wildcats.

Villanova continues to roll since their upset loss on the road to the Marquette Golden Eagles, winning six straight games. Not only have they won six straight, but none of the others were close except for a non-conference match-up with the Virginia Cavaliers. The Wildcats need to finish the season undefeated if they are to surpass the Gonzaga Bulldogs for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, so avoiding an upset against Seton hall is key.

The last time these two teams faced off, Villanova won by 30 points, 76-46. Seton Hall will remember the pain of that loss heading into this one and keep it far more close – at least for a half. The Wildcats should pull away in the second and finish the game with a double-digit win.

Prediction: Villanova 70, Seton Hall 58

Next: Notre Dame vs. NC State preview

Don’t worry, however, Pirates’ fans. A win against the Butler Bulldogs or Xavier Musketeers to finish the regular season, as well as avoiding losses to the DePaul Blue Demons and Georgetown Hoyas, likely means Seton Hall makes it to the Big Dance. The Big East is arguably the most difficult conference from top to bottom in college basketball, and the Selection Committee will take notice.

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