Finally some order has been restored to the universe.
DePaul's 3-game winning streak came to an end, and while they still hold a portion of the conference lead they've corrected themselves to their usual ways. Creighton starting off 0-4 in the conference adds to the chaos. This year's Big East is very different from last season's. But Villanova is still in first, so it's okay.
Seton Hall and St. John's, the other ranked Big East teams, lost last week meaning the Big East could be down to only ranked team. Butler received the third most votes of the unranked teams, but going 1-1 last week could hurt their chances moving up. However, we know that the AP voters are pretty volatile, so everything is up in the air. I'm surprised no one even thought of giving DePaul votes.
This week Villanova will finally conclude its out-of-conference schedule with the final matchup in Big 5 play. The travel to Philadelphia to take on a struggling Penn team. Something tells me we'll see #BenchMob.
Day | Time | Road | Home | TV |
Tuesday | 7:00pm | Butler Bulldogs | (19) Seton Hall Pirates | FS1 |
Tuesday | 9:00pm | Georgetown Hoyas | DePaul Blue Demons | FS1 |
Wednesday | 7:00pm | (24) St. John's Red Storm | Providence Friars | FS1 |
Wednesday | 9:00pm | Xavier Musketeers | (8) Villanova Wildcats | FS1 |
Wednesday | 9:00pm | Creighton Bluejays | Marquette Golden Eagles | CBSSN |
Saturday | 12:00pm | Marquette Golden Eagles | Xavier Musketeers | |
Saturday | 5:00pm | Butler Bulldogs | Georgetown Hoyas | FS1 |
Saturday | 7:00pm | (8) Villanova Wildcats | Penn Quakers | (nothing so I guess only Nova Nation All-Access HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) |
Saturday | 7:30pm | Providence Friars | Creighton Bluejays | FS1 |
Sunday | 2:30pm | (24) St. John's Red Storm | DePaul Blue Demons | FS1 |
Games of the Day
Tuesday
Butler vs. Seton Hall
Both games on Tuesday represent 2-2 teams visiting 3-1 schools, so any outcome will shake up first place in the conference. When in doubt, take the Seton Hall game. Everyone else follows that rule, right?
Depending on what mood the AP voters are in, this could be a matchup of ranked teams; probably in the 20's. Those are always good for a conference that already has a lot of respect.
Wednesday
Xavier vs. Villanova
Unless you want Creighton vs. Marquette for battle for last place. Xavier took down Seton Hall last week so they'll receive some more votes. Villanova should be able to stay undefeated at the Pavilion after this one. Matt Stainbrook will be a man the Wildcats will have to contain. It won't be easy, however: he's shooting 64.6% this season and 75% from the free throw line.
Saturday
Providence vs. Creighton
I just don't get excited about Big 5, sorry.
Another rematch of last season's Big East Tournament Championship, with Providence winning this meeting on New Year's Eve (as well as the championship). Even with Creighton's 0-4 start, playing in Nebraska has proven tough EXCEPT FOR DEPAUL WHO WON BY 10 QAJKLSHDKGASJDFH.