Villanova @ Seton Hall preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 27, 2019 ) Seton Hall 52, Villanova 80

No. 23 Villanova can clinch the Big East regular-season title outright Saturday when the defending national champions visit Seton Hall. The Wildcats are one game ahead of Marquette, which has lost three in a row, and can do no worse than share the regular-season title if they lose and the Golden Eagles win later Saturday.

Villanova senior Phil Booth had 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting in a 21-point win over Butler the last time out, while fellow senior Eric Paschall notched 12 points in his final home game. "I think we're going in a good direction. I like how we're playing right now," said Wildcats coach Jay Wright, whose team had lost four of five before winning its last two. Seton Hall knocked off Marquette in its last game but appears headed to the NIT barring a major push in the next week. The Pirates scored the final 18 points against Marquette and hope that momentum carries over against the Wildcats, who won the first meeting by 28.

TV: Noon ET, FOX

ABOUT VILLANOVA (22-8, 13-4 Big East): The Wildcats had to be thrilled with the recent performance by Booth, who had shot under 31 percent from the field over his previous four games. He averages 18.7 points, while Paschall averages 16.6 but has scored more than 17 only once in the last eight outings. Collin Gillespie (10.9 points) has been held to single digits six times in the last seven games.

ABOUT SETON HALL (17-12, 8-9): The Pirates enter Friday's action in a four-way tie for third in the Big East and likely need a big win against Villanova to catch the eye of the NCAA Tournament selection committee. Myles Powell had 34 points against Marquette - the other four starters combined for 24 points - and was the only player on the team to make a 3-pointer in the upset victory. Romaro Gill has seen his playing time increase in the last three games and has continued to produce, chipping in seven points, five rebounds and three blocks in 26 minutes against the Golden Eagles.

TIP-INS

1. Powell has made multiple 3-pointers in nine consecutive games.

2. Booth and Paschall combined for 10 of the team's 17 3-pointers in the first matchup.

3. Villanova G Saddiq Bey has had one turnover or less in 26 of the team's 30 games.

PREDICTION: Villanova 79, Seton Hall 70