With Seton Hall's victory over Marquette this afternoon, we now know that the Cats will have an opportunity to avenge last season's loss to the Pirates in the Big East title game. Looking at the results from the two meetings between the teams this year, Nova has to feel confident.
In the first meeting, Nova absolutely trounced the Pirates, 76-46, in what was one of Nova's best performances of the season. Seton Hall could get absolutely nothing going offensively, as they were held to 29% shooting and 25% from three. Nova forced 16 turnovers. Khadeen Carrington was held to six points, while Angel Delgado was limited to eight points and six rebounds, breaking a streak of 11-straight double-doubles.
It was a balanced offensive effort, with five Wildcats reaching double figures (Jenkins, Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, and Paschall) and two more with eight points apiece (Reynolds and Bridges.) The Cats shot 47% from the floor and 46% from three.
In the second meeting, Nova again cruised to an easy victory, 92-70. This time, it was the offense that lead the way. The Cats shot a blistering 67% and 57% from three. After the Pirates pulled to within one late in the first half, Jalen Brunson sparked an 11-1 to end the half and restore the Nova lead. The Cats never looked back.
Brunson had 22 points on 7-7 shooting to go along with 10 assists. Jenkins had 22 as well, while Hart added 19 and Bridges chipped in 15. Paschall had nine.
The defense wasn't as stout as it was in the first meeting, as the Pirates shot 46%, but they were limited to 29% from three. Carrington and Delgado got going this time around, with Carrington putting in 22 while Delgado had 19 and 12 rebounds. But with the Nova offense clicking, it didn't matter.
Ideally, Friday night will feature a blend of the two performances. It's unlikely the Cats will shoot 67% again, but they shot well in today's win over St. John's so hopefully they will at least be near or slightly above their season average of 49.6%. More important than the percentage is simply how the offense is executed, with ball movement and patience, which is something they can control.
The Cats can also control the defensive effort, and they will need to contain Carrington and Delgado. Carrington had 19 in today's win over Marquette, while Delgado was an absolute beast with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. Myles Powell had a nice game as well, with 17 points on 3-6 from three. If Powell gets it going from deep, the Pirate offense jumps to another level.
Nova clearly has the blueprint for defeating Seton Hall, it will just be a matter of going out and executing. Expect the Pirates' best effort as they look to defend their Big East Tournament title and to improve their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile Nova will look to avenge last year's conference title game loss, while earning another shot at the Big East crown on Saturday. With Kansas' loss to TCU today, the first overall seed is also seemingly there for Nova's taking.
In the first meeting, Nova absolutely trounced the Pirates, 76-46, in what was one of Nova's best performances of the season. Seton Hall could get absolutely nothing going offensively, as they were held to 29% shooting and 25% from three. Nova forced 16 turnovers. Khadeen Carrington was held to six points, while Angel Delgado was limited to eight points and six rebounds, breaking a streak of 11-straight double-doubles.
It was a balanced offensive effort, with five Wildcats reaching double figures (Jenkins, Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, and Paschall) and two more with eight points apiece (Reynolds and Bridges.) The Cats shot 47% from the floor and 46% from three.
In the second meeting, Nova again cruised to an easy victory, 92-70. This time, it was the offense that lead the way. The Cats shot a blistering 67% and 57% from three. After the Pirates pulled to within one late in the first half, Jalen Brunson sparked an 11-1 to end the half and restore the Nova lead. The Cats never looked back.
Brunson had 22 points on 7-7 shooting to go along with 10 assists. Jenkins had 22 as well, while Hart added 19 and Bridges chipped in 15. Paschall had nine.
The defense wasn't as stout as it was in the first meeting, as the Pirates shot 46%, but they were limited to 29% from three. Carrington and Delgado got going this time around, with Carrington putting in 22 while Delgado had 19 and 12 rebounds. But with the Nova offense clicking, it didn't matter.
Ideally, Friday night will feature a blend of the two performances. It's unlikely the Cats will shoot 67% again, but they shot well in today's win over St. John's so hopefully they will at least be near or slightly above their season average of 49.6%. More important than the percentage is simply how the offense is executed, with ball movement and patience, which is something they can control.
The Cats can also control the defensive effort, and they will need to contain Carrington and Delgado. Carrington had 19 in today's win over Marquette, while Delgado was an absolute beast with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. Myles Powell had a nice game as well, with 17 points on 3-6 from three. If Powell gets it going from deep, the Pirate offense jumps to another level.
Nova clearly has the blueprint for defeating Seton Hall, it will just be a matter of going out and executing. Expect the Pirates' best effort as they look to defend their Big East Tournament title and to improve their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile Nova will look to avenge last year's conference title game loss, while earning another shot at the Big East crown on Saturday. With Kansas' loss to TCU today, the first overall seed is also seemingly there for Nova's taking.