Pirates Face Marquette on Semifinal Friday at MSG

Friday, March 15

New York, N.Y. (Madison Square Garden)

9 p.m.

Seton Hall University

Marquette

3/15/2019 12:51:00 PM | Men's Basketball

WATCH LISTEN

2019 BIG EAST Championship Presented by Jeep [3] Seton Hall Pirates (19-12, 9-9 BIG EAST) vs. [2] Marquette Golden Eagles (24-8, 12-6 BIG EAST)
Date/Time/Location	Friday, March 15 \| 9 p.m. \| Madison Square Garden (New York, N.Y.)
Tickets	Ticketmaster.com
Television Broadcast	FS1 \| FOX Sports GO
Radio Broadcast	AM970 The Answer \| Pirate Sports Network
Game Notes	Seton Hall \| Marquette
Links	Live Stats \| Twitter \| Facebook \| Instagram

Semifinal Friday Night at Madison Square Garden. There's almost nothing like it.

For the fourth time in six years, the Pirates find themselves playing on Semifinal Friday Night, and this year it's the Marquette Golden Eagles standing in their way. Another battle between the two of the best guards in the country in Myles Powell and Markus Howard.

There's no further need to talk. A spot in Saturday's title game is on the line. May the best team win.

Friday's semifinal is on FS1 with Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson on the call and Lisa Byington on the sidelines. Calling the action on the radio once again are Gary Cohen and Dave Popkin on AM970 The Answer, simulcast on the Pirate Sports Network.

Three Things to Know About Friday Night's Semifinal

1. Powell vs. Howard Will Be Fun
The Pirates did a tremendous job stopping Markus Howard last week at Prudential Center. It may be a lot to ask to hold him to six points again, but the Pirates will try to do so behind Quincy McKnight, Shavar Reynolds and Myles Cale. It's more likely that both guards will play extraordinarily well and have a great battle. Once again, it'll be the supporting cast that proves to be the difference.

2. Offense Comes and Goes But Defense is Everlasting
Yes, Seton Hall needed offense to make its comeback against Marquette last week. But it was the defense that gave the Pirates a chance. Marquette was 0-for-10 from the field and scoreless in the final 4:40 of the game. Think about that. The Golden Eagles average 77.7 points a game. They didn't score a single point in last 4:40 of a game with guys like Howard and the Hauser brothers playing. That was what made the win possible for The Hall. Even if they get into an offensive funk tonight, the Pirates have to keep playing tenacious defense against this offensive whirlwind.

3. Just Leave It All on the Floor
Two great teams at Madison Square Garden battling for a chance to play for a championship. If you're a fan, you can't ask for much more. Put on your Pirate Blue and get loud tonight.