Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Providence, Xavier surging

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 01: Tyrique Jones #4 of the Xavier Musketeers dunks against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second half of a college basketball game at Prudential Center on February 1, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. Xavier defeated Seton Hall 74-62. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 01: Ballock of the Bluejays celebrates. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Creighton split its two games during this past week and that was largely expected heading in. The results, though, were the opposite of what one would have likely predicted. The Bluejays first started the week with an impressive road win over Villanova in which their defense was arguably the best it had been all season long. They then responded to that performance by returning home and falling to Providence by 17 points.

Such is the nature of the Big East this season. As many coaches have alluded to in media sessions and conference calls, it’s impossible to play a poor game and still walk away victorious.

This was a solid week, on the whole, for Creighton as the team remains in my No. 4 spot.

The Bluejays’ offense has been flat-out incredible since the beginning of conference play as they have been able to fill it up against the majority of their foes. This team shoots the ball so well from the perimeter that they are very tough to slow down. As long as their defense is able to create enough stops, this could be the year that Creighton makes a bit of a run in the NCAA Tournament.

It is also important to mention that the Bluejays could have the advantage of a favorable seed in the Big Dance as well. I currently have Creighton slotted on the No. 5 seed line at this moment. Could we see the Bluejays reach the second weekend? Possibly.

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