Villanova is the best team in the Big East this year, that much is certain. They ran roughshod over their schedule on the way to a 16-2 conference record, handily beat Providence in the semifinals and look almost certain to claim a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Seton Hall vs. Villanova 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Big East championship online
The Pirates haven’t won the Big East tournament since 1993.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
However, Seton Hall is hardly a pushover. The Pirates had an impressive season of their own, finishing the regular season 22-8 and earning a 12-6 record in conference play. After an impressive win over Xavier in the semifinal round, Seton Hall has almost certainly done enough to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.
But for now, the Pirates have their eyes on a big prize: the Big East tournament championship, which they haven’t won since 1993. Although the Wildcats will be the heavy favorites, Seton Hall certainly has enough talent to make this a game.
Villanova beat Seton Hall in both of its regular season games, but the second win was a hard-fought 72-71 affair on the Pirates’ home court. Seton Hall will need to play almost perfect basketball on Saturday if it hopes to take down on of the best teams in the country, but head coach Kevin Willard will certainly have his players motivated for this one.
Seton Hall is a virtual lock to make the big dance, but they’d like to take that decision out of the committee’s hands and claim the automatic bid. If they play like they did in Friday’s 87-83 win over Xavier, Jay Wright’s team cannot afford to get complacent.
How to watch
When: Sat., 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
TV: Fox
Announcers: Gus Johnson, Jim Jackson, Molly McGrath
Online: Fox Sports GO
* * *
Best Tournament Player: Was it Carmelo Anthony or Christian Laettner?
See More:
