GAME NOTES: Big East Conference foes will collide this evening in one of the longest-running rivalries in the league, as the Providence Friars host the Seton Hall Pirates. Seton Hall has won its last two games to improve to 12-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play after an 0-3 start. After knocking off South Florida last Thursday, the Pirates posted a thrilling come-from-behind decision over Louisville on Saturday by a 92-82 final. Still, they enter tonight's game with a 1-4 record in true road tilts. As for Providence, it has won its last three games to move to 12-5 overall and 3-2 in Big East action. The Friars have been idle since last Thursday when they knocked off UConn on the road by a 77-65 final. Expect them to enter tonight's tilt with plenty of confidence, as they are a perfect 8-0 at home thus far. Providence holds a 44-39 series lead over Seton Hall, and the teams split a pair of games last season.

Seton Hall trailed Louisville by 14 points in the second half on Saturday, and the home crowd watched in amazement as the Pirates battled back and scored the impressive victory. Jeremy Hazell was outstanding in the triumph, as he nailed 8-of-14 three-pointers en route to 29 points. Brian Laing pitched in with 25 points, six assists and four steals, while Larry Davis netted 10 points off the bench. The Pirates finished that game with 22 assists against only seven turnovers, offsetting a 42-32 rebounding disadvantage. Overall this season, Laing is scoring 18.7 ppg to go along with 7.1 rpg. Eugene Harvey checks in with 16.3 ppg, and Hazell is contributing 12.2 ppg. Seton Hall is posting an impressive 82.3 ppg while permitting 78.9 ppg to the opposition.

In the thrilling victory over UConn, Providence's Dwain Williams put forth a stellar effort off the bench, as he scored 23 points on the strength of a 6- of-9 effort from three-point range. Brian McKenzie tallied 20 points on 4-of-4 shooting from behind the arc, and Geoff McDemott displayed his versatility by finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals. The fourth and final double-digit scorer for the club was Jeff Xavier with 11 points. Xavier leads the balanced Providence lineup with 12.7 ppg, and McKenzie is close behind with 12.3 ppg. Weyinmi Efejuku (11.7 ppg), McDermott (11.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 4.5 apg) and Williams (10.7 ppg) are all capable of big performances. Providence is netting 76.8 ppg while limiting opponents to 70.3 ppg.

The edge has to go to the Friars tonight, as they are a well-balanced offensive team playing with a wealth of confidence right now.