Seton Hall @ Villanova preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 28, 2018 ) Villanova 69, Seton Hall 68

No. 18 Villanova has a terrific track record when it comes to hosting Seton Hall, but Jay Wright isn't taking the Pirates lightly this time around. The Wildcats' coach hopes his team can continue its dominance of Seton Hall when the teams match up Sunday in Philadelphia.

"Their physicality and toughness have been a challenge for us," Wright told reporters. "Seton Hall is always a difficult opponent for us." Wright is trying to keep his team focused even though Villanova has won 16 straight home games against Seton Hall, and hasn't lost at home to the Pirates in 25 years. Villanova is the only undefeated team in Big East play and enters this matchup having won seven games in a row. Seton Hall has lost three in a row and four of its last five, managing only a one-point win over Butler during that stretch.

TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, Fox

ABOUT SETON HALL (12-7, 3-4 Big East): Six of the Pirates' losses have come by fewer than 10 points, and their 97-93 defeat against DePaul the last time out was deeply disappointing considering Seton Hall shot over 54 percent from the field and from behind the 3-point line. Quincy McKnight had 25 points - a season high, by far - and also dished out a season-best nine assists while shooting 9-of-11 from the field. Leading scorer Myles Powell (22.2) registered 24 points versus DePaul - the 11th time this season he has exceeded 20 points in a game.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (15-4, 6-0): Villanova topped Butler 80-72 on Tuesday as seniors Eric Paschall and Phil Booth combined for 40 points while three of their teammates chipped in double-digit points, as well. Booth (4-of-12) had an off-shooting night but contributed five assists with only one turnover while playing 39 of 40 minutes. Sophomore Collin Gillespie is averaging 14.3 points in the last three outings and is 13-of-22 from 3-point range during that span.

TIP-INS

1. Powell (56) is the only Seton Hall player with more than 25 made 3-pointers in the team's first 19 games.

2. Villanova F Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has 21 points in the last two games after going scoreless in the previous two outings.

3. Booth went 1-of-5 from 3-point range against Butler after making 15 shots from behind the arc in his previous three games.

PREDICTION: Villanova 69, Seton Hall 66