Providence, coming off a decisive victory against Butler, is looking to get to .500 in the Big East with a home game against Seton Hall. The Pirates are 6-9 on the season and 1-3 in conference, with their one win at home against DePaul.
This is a game Providence should win, as they are at home as mentioned and 7.5 point favorites as of this writing. A win here and Providence has a two game winning streak in conference and some restored confidence.
Below, we preview the Seton Hall team and write about the keys to the game.
Seton Hall Team Overview
Led by sophomore Isaiah Coleman, he is averaging 15 and 5 boards on the season. The 6’5 guard will likely have the Floyd Jr. and Cardet defensive assignments.
Seton Hall has only one other player averaging double digits alongside Coleman in transfer from Old Dominion Chaunce Jenkins.
The grizzled veteran Dylan Addae Wusu is another contributor on this team, averaging 9, 3, and 3.
Lastly, friendly face Garwey Dual hasn’t made a sophomore leap like I anticipated. His numbers are almost identical to what he put up last year in Providence.
Seton Hall as a team only averages 63.2 points/game, whereas Providence averages 70.9. They average more turnovers (12.6) than assists (11.7). Ironically, Providence has the same number of turnovers and assists per game. They are an abysmal 64% from the charity stripe (PC 69.3%) and average 35% from 3 (PC 33.8%).
Keys to Game
Defensive Engagement – This Hall team makes Providence look like offensive juggernauts. If Providence stays locked in defensively and has no defensive lapses, scoring will be incredibly tough to come by for the Pirates. Fun fact, these two teams are in the bottom two for scoring per game in the Big East. This game could be like getting a root canal.
Win the Turnover Battle – Just like we wrote about the Butler game, win the turnover battle. Providence has done an excellent job of late of protecting the basketball. If they take care of the basketball, it also prevents easy transition buckets for Seton Hall. The name of this game is just make the Pirates earn every bucket. They struggle enough as is offensively. Both teams are last in the Big East in assists/game. Again. Root canal.
Frontcourt Advantage – Seton Hall doesn’t possess much size. This is another game where Oswin and Bonke should be productive. Oswin has really come on of late, and the only thing hurting him are silly fouls (set your screens, Oswin!). I like our frontcourt in this one.
Providence is in the Top 2 in the Big East in rebounds per game, whereas Seton Hall is in the bottom 2. This is an area where P.C. can use its size and athleticism to impose its will on the glass.
Contain Coleman – He’s truly one of the only threats offensively for The Hall. If you take him out of the game, the Pirates don’t have many other offensive weapons. Floyd Jr. and Wes Cardet, you are up!
Predictions
BOC – This one will be a rock fight, but I like us at home with a new found offensive identity. 74 – 62 Friars.
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