Seton Hall Looks to Halt Slide Against Surging Saint John’s in Big East Clash NEW YORK (Interstat) — Two Big East teams on contrasting trajectories will meet Tuesday when the Seton Hall Pirates visit the Saint John’s Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena. The Pirates (14-4, 3-3 Big East), ranked in the latest AP poll, aim to avoid a third consecutive conference loss. They are coming off a 77-66 home defeat to Butler on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Red Storm (13-5, 5-1) have won five of their last six, including an impressive 86-79 road victory at Villanova their last time out. Saint John’s, receiving votes in the AP Top 25, sits just a half-game out of first place in the conference. A win would bolster its NCAA tournament resume and mark a significant step in coach Rick Pitino’s rebuilding effort. The matchup features key players in differing rhythms. Seton Hall will rely on guard AJ Staton-McCray, who scored a team-high 17 points in the loss to Butler but was held to just 2 points in a prior loss to Connecticut. His consistency will be critical for the Pirates’ offense. For Saint John’s, forward Bryce Hopkins has been a driving force during its hot streak. He is averaging 14.2 points over his last six games, including a 20-point performance at Villanova. His versatility presents a major challenge for the Seton Hall frontcourt. Seton Hall’s recent struggles follow a strong start, with its other two losses this season by a combined nine points. Protecting the ball and improving its shooting after a 39% performance against Butler are immediate points of emphasis. Saint John’s has found its offensive groove, averaging 86.2 points during its five recent wins. The Red Storm’s ability to score in transition and from deep will test a Seton Hall defense that ranks among the league’s best in scoring defense. The Pirates lead the all-time series 58-52, but Saint John’s won both meetings last season. The atmosphere at the on-campus Carnesecca Arena is expected to be raucous for the 6:30 p.m. EST tipoff, broadcast on FS1. Tuesday’s result will either solidify Saint John’s as a Big East contender or allow Seton Hall to regain its footing in the conference race.