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Villanova Seeks to Extend Streak Against Struggling Seton Hall
Villanova enters its Big East opener riding a wave of momentum, while Seton Hall searches for answers after a tough stretch. The two teams face off Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the Wildcats will look to continue their upward trend and the Pirates will aim to snap out of their recent skid.
Villanova Finds Its Rhythm
After a shaky start to the season that included an early upset loss to Columbia and a heartbreaking one-point defeat to Maryland, Villanova (7-4) has turned the corner. The Wildcats have now won four straight games, finding consistency on both ends of the floor.
Their most recent victory, an 86-72 win over Fairleigh Dickinson, highlighted the Wildcats’ offensive efficiency. Villanova shot 55.6 percent from the field and converted 19 of 22 free throws, a testament to their discipline and focus.
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Eric Dixon was the star of the night, dropping 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting and continuing his dominant season. Dixon leads Division I with an impressive 25.8 points per game, serving as the centerpiece of Villanova’s offense. Wooga Poplar added 19 points, while Jhamir Brickus contributed 10 points and 10 assists, showcasing the team’s depth.
Head coach Kyle Neptune remains focused on maintaining a high level of play, regardless of the opponent.
“We always talk about every game being a Super Bowl for us,” Neptune said. “This game was no different. We work all year to get what we want, so every game we go into we want to play the best we can.”
Looking ahead, Neptune believes Villanova still has room for growth, particularly on the defensive end.
“I think right now we’re in a decent spot,” Neptune said. “I think we can continue to improve defensively. I’m happy where we are offensively.”
Seton Hall Struggling to Find Its Footing
Seton Hall (5-6) heads into Tuesday’s matchup trending in the wrong direction. The Pirates have lost three of their last four games, including a crushing 66-63 buzzer-beater loss to in-state rival Rutgers on Saturday.
Head coach Shaheen Holloway didn’t mince words after the defeat, challenging his team to use the sting of the loss as motivation.
“We’ve got to let this game sting today, we’ve gotta let it sting,” Holloway said. “Everybody’s got to feel it… Then tomorrow, we’ve got to get back to work. Plain and simple. We’ve gotta grow quickly.”
Isaiah Coleman, Seton Hall’s most consistent scorer, led the way against Rutgers with 15 points and remains the Pirates’ top offensive option, averaging 12.0 points per game. However, Seton Hall’s scoring struggles and inconsistency have plagued them all season, leaving them in desperate need of a turnaround as conference play begins.
Key Matchup: Eric Dixon vs. Seton Hall’s Defense
The Pirates’ top priority will be containing Eric Dixon, the nation’s leading scorer. Dixon has been nearly unstoppable, combining strength in the paint with efficient shooting. If Seton Hall cannot slow him down, Villanova’s offense will have no trouble dictating the game.
For Seton Hall, finding offensive consistency will also be crucial. The Pirates will need big performances from Coleman and supporting players like Kadary Richmond and Dre Davis to stay competitive against Villanova’s well-rounded attack.
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What’s at Stake
For Villanova, a win would mark a strong start to Big East play and extend their four-game winning streak. Neptune’s squad has found its groove, but a conference matchup presents a new level of competition where defensive improvements will be tested.
Seton Hall, meanwhile, is fighting to avoid a deeper slump. A win would not only snap their losing streak but also serve as a confidence booster as they enter the grind of Big East play.
The Bottom Line
Villanova’s combination of offensive efficiency, led by Eric Dixon, and recent momentum makes them the clear favorite. However, Seton Hall will come into this game hungry and motivated to respond after their tough loss to Rutgers.
Can the Pirates shake off their struggles and disrupt Villanova’s rhythm, or will the Wildcats’ dominance continue as they open conference play on a high note? Tuesday night will reveal which team is ready to rise to the Big East challenge.
