The Big East collapse continues.
DePaul could not put together any sort of defensive effort against Oregon State last Thursday, and that loss set the table for a weekend of disaster. On Saturday Xavier blew a 13-point halftime lead and lost in double overtime to Auburn while Butler dropped to Indiana on their home court. To wrap up the week, Seton Hall and Creighton helped give the Big East an 0-2 Sunday.
This isn't exactly how the squads would like to enter conference play, but this week most should right the ship. Let's see what games lie ahead.
Day | Time | Road | Home | TV |
Monday | 4:30pm | DePaul Blue Demons | Colorado Buffaloes | ESPNU/WatchESPN |
Monday | 7:00pm | UT Martin Skyhawks | (23) Butler Bulldogs | Fox Sports 1 |
Monday | 7:30pm | Long Beach State 49ers | (20) St. John's Red Storm | CBS Sports Network |
Monday | 9:00pm | (18) Miami-Florida Hurricanes | Providence Friars | Fox Sports 1 |
Monday | 9:00pm | North Dakota (They seriously do not have a nickname. Apparently they are above such nonsensical behavior. "Fighting Sioux" was controversial but at least pick something. ANYTHING. Pick the Fighting Dakotans- it's better than nothing.) | Marquette Golden Eagles | (Probably not on TV because no one knows what to call it) |
Tuesday | 7:00pm | NJIT Highlanders | (7) Villanova Wildcats | Fox Sports 1 |
Saturday | 12:00pm | Maine Black Bears | Seton Hall Pirates | Fox Sports 1 |
Saturday | 12:00pm | Georgetown Hoyas | Indiana Hoosiers | ESPN2/WatchESPN |
Sunday | 12:00pm | (20) St. John's Red Storm | Tulane Green Wave | Fox Sports 1 |
Sunday | 2:00pm | Morgan State Bears | Marquette Golden Eagles | Fox Sports 1 |
Sunday | 4:00pm | Florida Gulf Coast Eagles | Xavier Musketeers | Fox Sports 1 |
Sunday | 6:00pm | Belmont Bruins | (23) Butler Bulldogs | Fox Sports 1 |
Games Of The Day
Monday
Miami (FL) vs. Providence
--Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational: game played in Brooklyn, NY--
Miami will look to rebound after a terrible 28-point home loss to Eastern Kentucky. After losing two straight, Providence has bounced back to win their last three. Kris Dunn has been exceptional thus far and will no doubt continue his stellar play.
Saturday
Georgetown vs. Indiana
--Indeed Invitational: game played at MSG--
"Hey is this part of an invitational tournament?"
"Yes"
"Which one"
"Indeed"
"No I mean what's the name of the tournament?"
"Indeed"
"I know it's a tournament but what is the official name of it?"
"Indeed, it is."
"Get out of my office."
After taking down Butler, Indiana looks to overcome yet another Big East obstacle. The duo of Troy Williams and Yogi Ferrell combined for 42 points against the Bulldogs. L.J. Peak and D`Vauntes Smith-Rivera will have to battle it out with the Hoosier tag-team to see who will come out on top. If Joshua Smith gets going too, look out.
Sunday
FGCU vs. Xavier
Gulf Coast's Brett Comer averages 7.7 APG this season, but Dee Davis dishes out a not-too-shabby 5.5 per game. Both of these teams rank in the top 30 in the country in assists, but what separates these two schools in FG%; Xavier is 6th in the nation at 51.6% while the Eagles at 43.1%, good for 200th nationwide. That could very well be the story right there. While FGCU's 9-2 record trumps the Musketeers' 8-3, this one could be a blowout.