Sports Network Preview of Cornell vs. Seton Hall

Seton Hall (2-0) at Cornell (2-0)
The Sports Network

DATE & TIME: Friday, November 20th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Newman Arena (4,473) -- Ithaca, New York. Television: Local. Home Record: SHU 1-0, Cornell 0-0. Away Record: SHU 1-0, Cornell 2-0. Neutral Record: SHU 0-0, Cornell 0-0. Conference Record: SHU 0-0, Cornell 0-0. Series Record: Seton Hall leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The Cornell Big Red open their home slate tonight, as they welcome the Seton Hall Pirates to Newman Arena for a non-conference showdown.

The Big Red are trying to knock off another team from a major conference, as it started the season with a 71-67 upset at Alabama. It marked the program's first win over an SEC member in 37 years, and Cornell built upon that effort with a 74-61 triumph at UMass on Wednesday. The team is now set to play its first game of the season at Newman Arena, where it has won 21 consecutive decisions.

As the Pirates, they too are 2-0 on the year and are set to be the first Big East team to visit Newman Arena tonight. SHU pulled off a dramatic 53-51 win over Saint Peter's to open the season before defeating Monmouth, 87-72, in more convincing fashion on Sunday.

SHU has won each of the two prior encounters with Cornell, but this is the first meeting between the schools since 1992.

The Pirates shot an effective 52.5 percent from the floor against Monmouth and they also drained nine three-pointers on their way to the 15-poitn victory. It was a big improvement from the opener, when SHU made just 38.6 percent of its field goals in a narrow win over SPC. Jeremy Hazell led the charge last game, as he poured in 26 points and added four assists and three steals. It was quite a turnaround for Hazell, who went 0-of-10 from the floor and finished with just two pointers in the opener. Herb Pope and Jamel Jackson also got involved against Monmouth, posting 15 point apiece. Pope even pulled in 17 caroms to complete a double-double.

The Big Red turned in a terrific defensive effort on Wednesday, forcing 20 turnovers and holding UMass to just a 36.7 percent shooting performance from the floor in a 74-61 win. Cornell scored 25 points off those mishaps and made the most to its chances at the foul line, converting on 22-of-26 tries. Louis Dale had a big night in pacing the Big Red, as he scored 24 points and recorded four assists and four steals. He was also effective in the team's opening win over Alabama, notching 13 points and five helpers. Geoff Reeves came off the bench and tallied 16 points last game, while Jeff Foote contributed 10 points and nine boards.

Cornell is an experienced and talented team and will not be taken lightly this season. Expect the Big Red to continue its fast start with another balanced effort tonight.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Cornell 74, Seton Hall 69