BIG EAST Grit on Display in Crucial Conference Matchup Between Seton Hall and Georgetown

Published: Friday, February 20, 2026

by Jacob Nieczypor

NEWARK, N.J. – The Seton Hall Pirates (18-9, 8-8) host the Georgetown Hoyas (13-13, 5-10) on Saturday night in a game that has real implications for both teams’ hopes of finishing strong in the BIG EAST. 

The key storyline heading into this game is momentum and identity. Seton Hall comes off a disappointing loss to DePaul on Wednesday where the Pirates had trouble closing out and went cold down the stretch. That dropped them to .500 in conference play, and now they need a strong home performance to regain confidence and build some separation in the middle of the BIG EAST standings. 

Georgetown arrives on a three-game skid and has not found a way to consistently put together 40 minutes of solid basketball this season.

Seton Hall has had its share of ups and downs this year, but one strength that stands out is their defense. The Pirates rank among the best in the BIG EAST at limiting opponent scoring and holding foes under 41 percent shooting. At home, they’re 11-4, a record that highlights how tough they can be in front of their crowd.

Offensively, much of Seton Hall’s success comes through guard play. Budd Clark, a junior leader on this team, had 22 points in the first meeting against Georgetown back on January 10th, helping lift the Pirates to a 76-67 win in Washington. 

Clark averages close to 13 points per game along with nearly five assists in recent outings, showing he is more than just a scorer but a facilitator who can set the tone early. A.J. Staton-McCray adds a scoring punch from beyond the arc and can tilt the game if he gets hot.

Georgetown, under coach Ed Cooley, still has not found a rhythm in league play. The Hoyas have more losses than wins in the BIG EAST and are trying to end their season on a positive note before heading into postseason play.
 
They can score in bunches, averaging just under 74 points over their last 10 games, but they have struggled defensively and given up more than they have scored in that stretch. Players like Caleb Williams and KJ Lewis provide scoring and rebounding inside, and if they can control the glass and get timely shots from range, Georgetown has a chance to keep this close.

In the first meeting this season the Pirates controlled the second half and pulled away after a tight first 20 minutes. If tomorrow night’s game follows a similar script, it could be Seton Hall’s ability to clamp down on defense in the second half that decides it. For Georgetown, avoiding turnovers and hitting open threes while limiting second-chance points will be critical if they want to sneak out with a win on the road.

Overall, this game is bigger than the box score. Seton Hall is fighting to prove it belongs firmly in the middle of a rugged BIG EAST, while Georgetown is trying to show it can find consistency and beat a quality opponent on the road. Expect intensity, tough defense, and a lively crowd in Newark as both teams battle for momentum down the stretch.

Tip off from the Prudential Center is set for 6 p.m., with Jack Pine and Caitlin Barrar on the call for 89.5 FM WSOU.

Jacob Nieczypor can be reached at jacob.nieczypor@student.shu.edu.

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