Seton Hall Looks to Stay in NCAA Tournament Hunt Against Struggling Providence

The Pirates host the Friars in a Big East matchup with major postseason implications.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Seton Hall, currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble, hosts Providence in a crucial Big East matchup on Wednesday night. The Pirates have surpassed expectations this season with their tenacious defense, while the Friars have struggled mightily, ranking 360th in the nation in points allowed per game. Providence boasts a high-powered offense led by Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers, but their lack of defense could be their downfall against the defensive-minded Pirates.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for Seton Hall's NCAA Tournament hopes, as they look to pick up a key conference win at home against an inferior opponent. For Providence, a loss would be another blow to their already slim postseason chances, as they continue to search for answers on the defensive end of the floor.

The details

Seton Hall enters the game as 4.5-point favorites at home, looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Creighton over the weekend. The Pirates have relied on their stifling defense, ranked 13th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, to overcome their offensive struggles. Meanwhile, Providence's high-powered offense, led by Edwards, Sellers, Stefan Vaaks, and Jamier Jones, has been undermined by their porous defense, which is allowing 85.6 points per game, 360th in Division I.

  • The game will tipoff at 7:00 PM EST on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Seton Hall is currently 16-8 overall and 6-7 in Big East play, while Providence is 11-13 overall and 4-9 in conference.

The players

Jason Edwards

The senior guard is leading Providence with 17.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

Jaylin Sellers

The backcourt partner of Edwards, Sellers is averaging 17.1 points per game for the Friars.

Adam 'Budd' Clark

The leading scorer for Seton Hall, though no Pirate is averaging more than 12 points per game.

Shaheen Holloway

The head coach of Seton Hall, who has guided the Pirates to an unexpected strong season so far.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to slow down Providence's offense and play to our strengths on defense. That's the only way we're going to come out on top in this one.”

— Shaheen Holloway, Head Coach, Seton Hall Pirates (Seton Hall Athletics)

“Our defense has let us down all season, and that's something we need to fix if we want to have any chance of making the tournament. We have the offensive firepower, but we have to get stops.”

— Jason Edwards, Senior Guard, Providence Friars (Providence Athletics)

What’s next

If Seton Hall can pick up a win at home against Providence, they will take a big step towards securing an NCAA Tournament berth. A loss, however, would be a major setback in their quest to make the Big Dance.

The takeaway

This game showcases the stark contrast between Seton Hall's stifling defense and Providence's high-powered but porous offense. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations, with the Pirates looking to solidify their tournament resume and the Friars fighting to keep their slim hopes alive.