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Big East Basketball: Creighton vs. Villanova preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Carmine Carcieri

Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright waves to fans as they honor him on his 500th career victory during the first half against the Butler Bulldogs at The Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright waves to fans as they honor him on his 500th career victory during the first half against the Butler Bulldogs at The Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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After falling to Butler, Villanova looks to bounce back against the Creighton Bluejays in a Big East basketball showdown.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 25, 3:00 p.m. ET, FOX

Arena: The Pavilion, Villanova, PA

Prediction: Villanova 85 Creighton 68

Coming into Wednesday night’s game against the Butler Bulldogs, the Villanova Wildcats had won 48 straight games at their on-campus arena, The Pavilion. That streak wasn’t just halted, but the Wildcats were swept for the first time since the new configuration of the Big East.

Related Story: Seton Hall completes home stand with a victory vs. Xavier

In fact, this was the first year since 2013-14 that the Wildcats lost more than two games during conference play.

So what does this mean for Creighton?

They are in for it. The only thing worse than facing Villanova on the road is facing an angry Villanova team on the road.

The Wildcats have clearly been affected by their lack of depth, as they only play six guys and even had to use Daniel Ochefu in a recent practice! They also need Kris Jenkins to play much better than he did on Wednesday when he shot just 1-of-8 and scored just eight points.

But if you don’t think Villanova is going to be extra focused defensively and even more crisp offensively, then you are in for a shock tomorrow. The Wildcats are the definition of consistency. They almost never lose two in a row and it is almost a certainty for them to perform with efficiency and unmatchable energy against the Bluejays on Saturday.

For Creighton, Marcus Foster has stepped up significantly for Greg McDermott and company since Maurice Watson Jr. went down with a torn ACL. He is averaging 18.1 points per game, which includes a 30-point game in a loss to Marquette, a 23-point, six-rebound, six-assist game in a road loss to Seton Hall and a 35-point outing in the Bluejays’ win over Georgetown.

Justin Patton has also played great basketball since Watson went down and Khyri Thomas is having a much improved 2016-17 campaign. However, Creighton still needs another player to emerge rather quickly. Maybe it’s Cole Huff. Maybe it’s Isaiah Zierden. But they need someone and fast!

Next: Final February Bubble Watch and the Twitter mailbag

More importantly, their defense must be on their A-game on Saturday if they want to have any shot at defeating Villanova. Thomas will likely guard Josh Hart, but do the Jays have anyone to stop Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Jenkins? That’s the biggest question mark right now for Foster and company.

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