Friars  106    Pirates  109

Providence (12-18) vs. Seton Hall (18-11)

Sports Network | March 9, 2010

GAME NOTES: The Providence Friars and Seton Hall Pirates come together for the second time in a row, only this meeting will take place in the first round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. The victor of this bout will encounter seventh-seeded Notre Dame in the second round on Wednesday.

These two squads hooked up just this past Saturday and the Pirates emerged in a shootout with a 92-80 victory. Despite the outcome though, Providence still holds a 45-41 lead in the all-time series.

For the Friars, the loss on Saturday was their 10th in a row, as they landed the 15th seed in this event with a 4-14 finish. Clearly a reeling club, Providence has won just one of its last six Big East Tournament games.

The Pirates meanwhile, won two straight and six of their final eight games of the regular season to earn the 10th seed in this tourney with a a level 9-9 finish. This is the 30th Big East Tournament appearance for the Pirates, who are 9-10 in first-round games.

Defense has been lacking for the Friars this season, as they are giving up a whopping 85.3 ppg in conference play. Offensively, the team is paced by Jamine Peterson, who turns in a hardy 19.0 ppg. A honorable mention all-league pick, Peterson also rips down a team-high 10.0 rpg for the Friars. Sharaud Curry ranks second with 15.6 ppg and 3.4 apg, while Marshon Brooks tacks on 14.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Vincent Council chips in 10.2 ppg and he has done a nice job spreading the wealth, handing out a team-high 4.5 apg.

The Pirates will look to take advantage of Providence's suspect defense once again, as they average 80.3 ppg for the season. Jeremy Hazell heads this potent attack, ranking among the top scorers in the conference with an average of 21.2 ppg. A second-team all-conference choice, Hazell is also a presence on defense with a team-high 47 steals to his credit. Jeff Robinson puts forth 11.7 ppg for SHU, while Herb Pope produces 11.2 ppg. Pope is also the top rebounder in the Big East, ripping down 11.1 rpg.

SHU is running well right now and Hazell should have himself a big night in leading the Pirates past Providence for the second time in just a few days.

GAME NOTES: The Providence Friars and Seton Hall Pirates come together for the second time in a row, only this meeting will take place in the first round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. The victor of this bout will encounter seventh-seeded Notre Dame in the second round on Wednesday.

FACTS & STATS: Site: Madison Square Garden (19,763) -- New York, New York. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: Providence 8-9, SHU 13-4. Away Record: Providence 4-9, SHU 5-6. Neutral Record: Providence 0-0, SHU 0-1. Conference Record: Providence 4-14, SHU 9-9. Series Record: Providence leads, 45-41.

Tuesday, March 9th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

Seton Hall 88, Providence 74