Seton Hall looks to end skid against visiting Xavier

Musketeers hope to build on recent close losses against ranked opponents

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:47am

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Xavier wasn't expected to hang with recent opponents Creighton and St. John's, but the Musketeers fought hard in close losses to those ranked Big East foes. Now they head to New Jersey to take on Seton Hall, which is trying to snap a four-game losing streak and keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

Why it matters

This game has vastly different implications for the two teams. Seton Hall is desperately trying to end its skid and stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation, while Xavier's at-large hopes are likely dashed and the Musketeers are just hoping to see their hard work translate into some wins down the stretch.

The details

Seton Hall has struggled mightily on offense this season, ranking 161st nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Pirates don't shoot many 3-pointers and are shooting just 47.5% from inside the arc. However, they excel on the offensive glass, ranking 33rd in the country in offensive rebounding percentage. Defensively, Seton Hall is stifling, ranking 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Pirates force a lot of turnovers and block a ton of shots. Xavier will need to take care of the ball and find ways to score in the paint against Seton Hall's formidable defense.

  • Xavier has lost its last two games, falling to Creighton and St. John's.
  • Seton Hall has dropped four straight games after a 14-2 start to the season.

The players

Seton Hall

A Big East program that has had success in recent years but is currently struggling, sitting at 14-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

Xavier

A team that has exceeded expectations in Richard Pitino's first season as head coach, despite a tough schedule that has included losses to ranked opponents.

Tre Carroll

Seton Hall's leading scorer, who has been on a tear lately with 89 points in the last three games.

Jovan Milicevic

Seton Hall's sophomore center who leads the Big East in block rate and defensive rebounding percentage.

Richard Pitino

Xavier's first-year head coach who has the Musketeers competing hard despite their record.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to find a way to get back in the win column. This is a big game for us to try and get our season back on track.”

— Tre Carroll, Seton Hall Senior Forward

“Our guys have shown a lot of fight, even in the losses. We're hoping that effort and determination can start translating into some wins down the stretch.”

— Richard Pitino, Xavier Head Coach

What’s next

Seton Hall will look to build on this game as it continues its quest to get back into NCAA Tournament contention, while Xavier hopes to use this as a springboard for a strong finish to the regular season.

The takeaway

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions, with Seton Hall desperate to end its skid and Xavier just trying to build momentum. The contrasting styles - Seton Hall's stifling defense vs. Xavier's up-tempo offense - should make for an intriguing matchup as both teams look to gain an edge in the competitive Big East.