Providence – Seton Hall Rematch: A Win Needed for Both Squads

Providence is looking to get off the mat after a brutal loss to Georgetown by defeating Seton Hall the second time this season. Seton Hall is loser of 3 straight, with the caveat that Seton Hall’s last 3 games have been two games against Villanova and one against Creighton.

Providence defeated Seton Hall in overtime 80-77 when AJ Reeves (who else?) hit a 3 to win it.

Both teams are 9-8 and desperately looking to accumulate victories for their NCAA bubble resume. Seton Hall is 6-5 in the Big East, while Providence sits at 5-6.

Themes for the Game for the Providence Friars

1. Contain Mamu – Mamu had a so-so game against Providence, scoring 20 points on 6-17 shooting. We bring this point up as vital for Providence because it appeared Mamu found a rhythm against the Friars in the second half and OT. He seemed to score at will in the remaining minutes of the second half, either converting a bucket or getting to the foul line. To prevent this from transpiring all game, Providence will likely have to turn to Greg Gantt to defend him, as Nichols has mightily struggled on the defensive end. Gantt was able to slow down Mamu in overtime in their first match-up.
2. Rebound, Rebound, Rebound – Georgetown exposed this Providence team by significantly outrebounding the Friars. Seton Hall is another team with a lot of size. Providence needs to make offensive and defensive rebounding a priority and focus heading into this game. Neither team shoots the leather off the ball, so rebounding will be of vital importance.
3. Reeves & Breed Continue to Show Up: Duke and Watson may be hitting a wall of sorts, as Providence has leaned on them offensively all season. It is up to Breed and Reeves to lighten the scoring load and take the weight off the shoulders of the dynamic duo. Reeves and Breed have shown they can do that of recent. Expecting 10-12 points from each isn’t too farfetched and will put this team in a fantastic position to win.
4. Protect the Basketball – Shavar Reynolds is second in the Big East at 1.8 steals/game. It is imperative that Duke and Bynum are not loose with the ball. This Seton Hall team is not a Creighton or Villanova. Don’t give them easy buckets off unforced errors.