Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: Creighton rises on top in latest 2020-21 power rankings

By Salvador Lopez

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in action in the game against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Wintrust Arena on January 22, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in action in the game against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Wintrust Arena on January 22, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Big East Baskeball Xavier Musketeers (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Big East Baskeball Xavier Musketeers (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

5. Xavier Musketeers (12-4, 5-4 Big East)

After going on another pause this season, Xavier returned to the court on February 13th against UConn. For Xavier, it was not the outcome that they had hoped for as the Huskies won 80-72.

During their first two games in February, Xavier struggled defensively and allowed UConn to score 80 points and St. John’s to total 93 points. Both UConn and St. John’s were able to light up the Musketeers defense by making 11 three-point shots each.

On Sunday, Xavier entered their matchup against Butler knowing how desperate they were looking for a win. The Musketeers were able to capitalize and to improve their NCAA Tournament chances with a victory Sunday night 63-51 over Butler.

Xavier had their best defensive showing so far this season in conference play. The Musketeers defense was able to bounce back in a big way and held Butler to 18-for-61 shooting from the floor (29.5 percent).

Sophomore forward, Zach Freemantle (16.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg), has been impressive this season during his second-year leap. Freemantle tallied his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Butler. During his last three games after the pause, Freemantle is averaging 23 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game.

Currently, Xavier has four games remaining on their schedule. Next for the Musketeers will be a rematch against Providence on the road on Wednesday. During their first matchup, Xavier ended on an 8-0 run in the final minute to win on a Colby Jones game-winning shot.

Xavier will then host Creighton on Saturday, as the Musketeers are looking for a quality win to improve their NCAA Tournament resume. Xavier will close out the season with back-to-back games at Georgetown on Tuesday, March 2nd and at Marquette on Saturday, March 6th.

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