The Providence Friars, sitting at 4-9 in the Big East, face a daunting task as they visit the Prudential Center to take on the Seton Hall Pirates, who are 6-7 in conference play. With Seton Hall's quad record standing at 1-4 in Quad 1 games, 4-4 in Quad 2, and a perfect 7-0 in Quad 4, this matchup falls under Quad 3 for the home team and Quad 1 for the visitors, significantly affecting their tournament resumes. The Pirates' recent form, with losses in two of their last three games, including a 75-65 defeat, highlights the importance of securing a win against the Friars, who have won two of their last three, including a 78-72 victory.
Providence Friars' Guard Noah Locke Averages 42.1% from Three-Point Range
The game is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET, at the Prudential Center, and will be broadcast on FS1, providing a national platform for both teams to make a statement. The over/under is set at 149.5 points, with Seton Hall favored by 4.5 points, indicating a closely contested matchup.
The Seton Hall Pirates have compiled a 16-8 overall record, with their NET ranking of 52 reflecting their performance against a challenging schedule. Their conference record of 6-7, however, suggests inconsistency, particularly in their 1-4 record in Quad 1 games. Despite this, their ability to dominate in Quad 4 games, with a 7-0 record, showcases their depth and capability to handle lesser opponents. With an average of 74.5 points per game, the Pirates' offense has been reliable, but their defense, allowing 68.2 points per game, will be tested by the Friars' backcourt.
Key Matchups
The Providence Friars, with an 11-13 overall record and a NET ranking of 76, are in dire need of quality wins to bolster their tournament resume. Their conference record of 4-9 and quad record of 1-7 in Quad 1 games and 1-5 in Quad 2 games underscore the challenges they've faced. However, their recent form, with wins in two of their last three games, including a 7-point victory over a conference opponent, indicates a surge in momentum. The Friars average 72.1 points per game, while their defense allows 70.5 points per game, suggesting a closely matched contest against the Pirates.
The matchup between Seton Hall and Providence will be decided by the Pirates' ability to contain the Friars' backcourt, which has been responsible for 55% of their total scoring. Seton Hall's defense, ranked 50th nationally in efficiency, will face its toughest test in the Friars' guards, who shoot 43.2% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. The pace of the game will also be crucial, as Seton Hall prefers a slower pace, averaging 67.5 possessions per game, while Providence likes to push the tempo, with an average of 70.2 possessions per game. The Pirates' advantage in rebounding margin, +2.5, could also prove decisive.
CHD Scout Prediction
Providence
76
Seton Hall
81
For Seton Hall, guard Bryce Aiken has been on a tear, averaging 18.5 points per game over his last five outings, including a 25-point performance against a ranked opponent. Forward Tyrese Samuel has also been consistent, with 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. On the Providence side, guard Noah Locke has been hot, scoring 15.6 points per game in his last three appearances, while forward Ed Croswell has been a force on the glass, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction favors Seton Hall by 5.2 points, with a 67.4% win probability for the Pirates. This prediction is based on the teams' recent performances and statistical edges, suggesting that Seton Hall's home advantage and defensive prowess will be the deciding factors. With the over/under set at 149.5, the model anticipates a high-scoring affair, which could play into the hands of the Pirates' balanced offense.
A win for Seton Hall would significantly bolster their tournament resume, particularly given the Quad 3 designation for this matchup. Improving their record against a Providence team that, despite struggling, still presents a quality opponent, could enhance the Pirates' chances of securing an at-large bid. For Providence, a victory would be a much-needed Quad 1 win, drastically altering their tournament outlook and providing a significant boost to their NET ranking. With both teams fighting for postseason berths, the intensity and urgency of this matchup cannot be overstated.