Villanova returns to the Pavilion, takes on Seton Hall, guard Hazell

 After a hiatus of more than three weeks, the Wildcats will return to the Pavilion on Tuesday night to play host to Seton Hall in their first on-campus game since Jan. 9. Highly anticipated Big East matchups moved Villanova's past two home games to the larger Wachovia Center, and the Wildcats are sure to receive quite a homecoming from Villanova fans upon their return to campus. 

The 'Cats certainly have not disappointed anyone while they were away. Four consecutive Big East victories launched them to No. 3 in the nation, a perfect 7-0 start in conference play and an 18-1 overall record (prior to last night's matchup with Notre Dame) that ties the best start in school history. 

Now, they return to the Pavilion for a game against a Seton Hall team that has begun to exceed expectations as of late. The Pirates (12-6, 3-4 Big East prior to tonight's game at South Florida) are coming off a huge win over then-No. 9 Pittsburgh. The Hall's four conference losses have all been to ranked teams (West Virginia, Syracuse, Connecticut and Georgetown), and none was decided by more than 12 points. 

The Pirates have a knack for hanging  in with their superior opponents – they took a No. 6 West Virginia team to overtime in their first game of Big East play – and they possess explosive offensive ability. The Hall ranks third in the conference in scoring at 83.3 points per game, an offensive average that places them behind only Villanova (84.9) and Syracuse (84.1). In fact, the team set the Seton Hall single-game scoring record in early December when it posted 134 points against the Virginia Military Institute. 

Along with its similarity to Villanova in terms of high-scoring offense, Seton Hall possesses the same kind of depth that the Wildcats have displayed throughout this season. Ten different players have seen significant playing time for the Pirates this year, and six different players have led the team in scoring in at least one game. Three of those players (junior guard Jeremy Hazell, sophomore forward Herb Pope and junior forward Jeff Robinson) average double-digit scoring, but the team's offensive production can come from anywhere on any given night. For instance, junior guard Jamel Jackson, who has only started one game all year and averages less than 13 minutes per game, exploded for 40 points during the Pirates' 134 point romp. 

While Hazell's 22.2 point per game average – second-best in the Big East and nearly double than that of any of his teammates – makes him stand out, Pope is easily just as critical to the team's success. The sophomore forward averages a double-double (12.7 points, 11.1 rebounds per game), and leads the conference in rebounding. Both players who average over five minutes more than any of their teammates per game, also anchor the team on the defensive end.Hazell leads the team with 36 steals, while Pope and his two blocks per game are crucial to the Pirates' defense of the rim.

Villanova and Seton Hall should be able to match each other both in terms of scoring and also in bench play, an asset that has been very influential in Big East play so far this season. Therefore, execution and ball control are likely to be of high importance in the contest. Seton Hall is best in the conference in terms of turnover margin, so Villanova will have to take good care of the ball on every possession – a feat it was unable to accomplish two games ago against St. John's, when turning the ball over 20 times. 

Hazell and Pope will, of course, be the players to watch for Seton Hall, and the Wildcats will need to both contain Hazell's scoring and keep Pope from dominating the boards. Junior forward Antonio Peña will be an important part of that defensive effort, and his ability to stay out of foul trouble, while still maintaining a strong presence around the rim will be vital. Junior guard Scottie Reynolds will look to continue his stellar senior season, during which he has scored 19 or more points per game in six out of seven conference matchups – a performance that has vaulted him into consideration for the Big East Player of the Year award. 

The Wildcats should certainly expect to have their hands full when Seton Hall invades the Pavilion on Tuesday, as the Pirates have made it clear all season long that they are not shy to compete with teams of a higher ranking. Villanova has, however, averaged slightly better marks both in terms of scoring and defending so far this season – an advantage that promises to give the home team the edge. The Wildcats should hold strong amid the raucous atmosphere of the Pavilion crowd.