Pirates Host Nova On Friday For Walsh Gym Blue Out

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Blue out conditions are expected at 400 South Orange Ave on Friday night.

The Seton Hall women's basketball team (12-6, 4-3 BIG EAST) returns to South Orange to begin a four-game homestand this weekend when it plays host to Villanova (11-7, 2-5 BIG EAST) in conference action. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on the BIG EAST Digital Network and FOX Sports app with David Gass and Olivia Mulvihill on the call.

Friday's contest will be a BLUE OUT inside Walsh Gym. Fans are encouraged to wear their Pirate Blue to match the players on the court. In addition, the first 100 Seton Hall students in attendance will receive a FREE limited edition "Blue Out" t-shirt.

The Hall is coming off a huge road win last weekend, knocking off No. 24 DePaul in Chicago on Sunday afternoon. The Wildcats were last in action on Saturday, dropping a five-point decision at Georgetown. The Pirates are looking to snap a four-game skid in its all-time series against Villanova in the 63rd installment of the long-time conference rivalry.

All-Time vs. Wildcats: 41-22, Villanova
Last Meeting: VU 59, SHU 53 - Feb. 11, 2018

SETON HALL TIP-INS

The Pirates are back at Walsh Gym after securing their biggest win of the season, a top-25 road upset at then-No. 24 DePaul on Sunday afternoon
Five different Pirates scored in double-figures against the Blue Demons, led by Shadeen Samuels with 18
The win over a ranked foe was the first for The Hall since Jan. 29, 2016
The Pirates are among the national leaders in assists per game, scoring offense, 3-pointers made, turnover margin and steals
Samuels ranks top-five in the BIG EAST in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage and is averaging 18.7 points per game during league action
Nicole Jimenez is 10th in the conference with 13.2 points per game - the senior also leads the BIG EAST in 3-pointers per game (3.1) and is second in steals (3.0)

LAST SEASON VS NOVA

The Hall fell to Villanova twice in the regular season last year, dropping a pair of tight contests to the Wildcats
The first meeting came at Walsh Gym on Jan. 12, 2018 and saw VU pick up a 67-59 win.
Samuels narrowly missed a double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds in the home setback
In the return game at VU's Nevin Fieldhouse on Feb. 11, the Pirates made a late charge to nearly erase an 18-point deficit in an eventual 58-53 defeat
Selena Philoxy notched her first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the road outing

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS

Villanova visits Walsh Gym with an 11-7 overall record and a 2-5 mark in conference play
Kelly Jekot leads three VU scorers in double-figures with 14.2 points per game, followed by Mary Gedaka (13.0) and Adrianna Hahn (12.4)
As is usually the case for the Wildcats, VU is among the league leaders in 3-pointers per game (9.6) and fewest turnovers (11.7)
The Pirates will look to exploit Villanova on the glass, where they rank 10th in the BIG EAST with a -5.4 rebounding margin

WHAT'S AHEAD
The Pirates are back at home on Sunday to host Georgetown at 1 p.m.