Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Providence, SJU trending oppositely

Butler only played once during this past week but it defended its home court in a relatively convincing win over Creighton. The Dawgs might not look incredibly impressive on the floor but they simply rarely make mistakes and take opponents out of their rhythms. Most notably, Butler’s defense is flat-out elite. With the fifth-best adjusted defensive efficiency in the nation, the statistics back up the eye test in this area. Aaron Thompson and Kamar Baldwin represent one of the best defending backcourts in the conference and the team also protects the paint very well.

After entering this season facing low expectations, it appears as though Butler will now be “the hunted” in conference play. That is the price that comes with starting 14-1 (2-0 BE) and launching into the AP Top 10. Now we will see how the Dawgs respond to facing challenges and higher expectations with every single game. Head coach LaVall Jordan has instilled a great mentality in his team and the upperclassmen leaders have stepped up to this point but the season is only halfway over.

Butler has set the bar high for itself as one of the favorites to win the Big East moving forward. Perhaps the most intriguing test of the season approaches next as the Dawgs will travel to face Providence on the road during this coming week. Butler is just 1-5 while playing at “The Dunk” as a member of the Big East as the venue has become a house of horrors for the program.

Can Butler avenge going 0-3 against Providence last season? That game is worth circling considering how both teams have played in recent weeks.

That concludes this week’s edition of my Big East Power Rankings. What would you shift? The season is moving by quickly and there will certainly be changes as each game finishes. Check back again next Thursday for a new update.