Women's Basketball Opens BIG EAST Play at Providence

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J.- Seton Hall looks to bounce back from a disappointing, 85-65 loss to Virginia on Saturday as they take on the 7-2 Providence Friars. Head coach Phyllis Mangina has her second shot to earn her 300th career win at the Dunkin Donuts Center tonight. The Pirates have won three out of their last four and look to match their win total from a year ago.

The Pirates are led by senior Monique Blake, who leads the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg). Blake continued her strong play with 10 points and nine rebounds against the Cavaliers. She posted her fourth double-double of the year with 12 points and 11 rebounds a win over Hartford.

Despite the loss to Virginia, Seton Hall still ranks among the leaders in defense in the BIG EAST. The Pirates are holding opponents to 59.8 points per game and are averaging 10.13 steals. Seton Hall has a perfect 5-0 record when holding teams to 60 points or less.

Providence is coming off of a 76-69 loss to Sacred Heart on Friday. The Friars led at the half, 34-32 were outscored 44-35 in the second half to drop to 7-2 on the season. Senior Shauna Snyder scored 21 and grabbed six rebounds for the game.

Seymore, in his second season, improved Providence’s record by seven and a half games, leading the Friars to an 8-19 mark during the 2005-06 campaign. Since starting the season 5-0, Providence has dropped two of their last three games

Sophomore Chelsea Marandola leads Providence in scoring (18.0 ppg) and rebounding and (8.1 rpg).