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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: SOUTH FLORIDA @ SETON HALL

February 25, 2009


Seton Hall, 5-9 in Big East and 14-12 overall, hostsd South Florida, 3-11 Big East and 8-18 overall, in a Big East conference match-up Wednesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark (NJ).

The Pirates look to return home after a road loss at St. John's Sunday evening and snap a three-game losing streak at the expense of the Bulls. After dropping their first six conference games, SHU rebounded with five straight wins to build some momentum and reach 5-6 in the Big East. It was the second straight year the Pirates have had a five-game winning streak in Big East play, the hope to make sure those are not the only five wins in the conference.

USF had a season highlight win over Marquette earlier this month. They have matched their Big East-best three conference wins by also sweeping DePaul in their home and home and now will try to get their fourth conference win tonight as they travel to Newark.

Last season the game between USF and SHU went right down to the wire with Seton Hall pulling out a 79-75 win at USF. If the Bulls are able to reverse the tables and grab a win on the road they will need Dominique Jones to carry the load offensively and also a healthy Jesus Verdejo to be a strong offensive contributor.

Despite a thin roster, SHU does possess some offensive firepower, led by shooter Jeremy Hazell and will look to push the tempo and get the Bulls into a track meet. If that gameplan is to be successful in the Big East, they will need a strong floor game from point guard Eugene Harvey, who is coming off a horrible game at St. John's. Feeling the effects of an allergic reaction, Harvey finished the game scoreless and committing five turnovers. SHU can not afford for Harvey to go into a tailspin to close out the season, similar to last season, so a bounceback game from Bobby Gonzalez's point guard is needed.

All in all, SHU has more talent than USF and should find scoring to be quite easy against the Bulls. While USF is certainly going to put forth the effort, they simply do not have the size or the depth to take advantage of the SHU shortcomings.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Seton Hall 76
South Florida 63


USF Continues to Fight as Season Nears End (St. Pete Times)
Bulls' Guard Verdejo Probable for Seton Hall (St. Pete Times)

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