The Big East conference season is finally here.
Big East Conference Play Tips Off
After a mixed bag of nonconference results across the league, it is time to see which programs are ready to compete and which still have work to do. Over the next nine days, nine league matchups will set the tone for the weeks ahead. Here is a look at the opening stretch of Big East action.
Providence Friars at Butler Bulldogs – Saturday December 13
The first Big East matchup features Providence traveling to Hinkle Fieldhouse to take on Butler. The Friars bring a three-game winning streak into the contest, with losses only to Virginia Tech, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Florida. Jason Edwards leads Providence with 18 points per game.
Butler enters looking to rebound from a loss to Boise State, which snapped a four-game winning streak. The Bulldogs’ only other defeat came by two points at SMU. Finley Bizjack matches Edwards with 18 points per game. This should be a strong opener to kick off conference play.
DePaul Blue Demons at St. John’s Red Storm – Tuesday December 16
DePaul heads to Queens to meet St. John’s at Carnesecca Arena. The Blue Demons carry a two-game win streak after victories over Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Morgan State. CJ Gunn leads DePaul with 13.8 points per game, and the team averages 79 per outing.
St. John’s is ranked inside the Top 25 despite losses to Alabama, Iowa State, and Auburn. Zuby Ejifor leads the Red Storm with 15.5 points per game. DePaul will need a fast start to hang in this one.
Butler Bulldogs at UConn Huskies – Tuesday December16
Butler plays its second Big East matchup in three days as the Bulldogs travel to Hartford to face powerhouse UConn. The Huskies are 9-1 with five straight wins and a single loss to top-ranked Arizona. Since then, UConn has defeated Illinois, Kansas, and Florida. Butler enters as a heavy underdog.
Creighton Bluejays at Xavier Musketeers – Wednesday December 17
Creighton is looking to regain its footing after a 5-4 start and three losses in its last five outings. The Bluejays face Kansas State on Saturday, then head to Cincinnati for their conference opener. Josh Dix, the Iowa transfer, leads Creighton with 11.7 points per game. The defense must tighten up as opponents are scoring nearly 72 points per game.
Xavier has won four straight, including a rivalry win over Cincinnati. Tre Carroll exploded for 30 in that matchup and averages 17.3 points per game. The Musketeers will look to carry that momentum into league play.
Georgetown Hoyas at Marquette Golden Eagles – Wednesday December 17
Both teams enter the conference slate hungry for a win. Georgetown has lost three of four heading into Saturday’s matchup with St. Peter’s, falling to Dayton, Miami, and North Carolina. The Hoyas are 6-3 overall and led by KJ Lewis with 16.7 points per game.
Marquette has stumbled to a slow start, suffering losses to Oklahoma, Dayton, Maryland, Indiana, and most recently Wisconsin in lopsided fashion. With Purdue up next, the Golden Eagles could enter this game at 5-7. Milwaukee fans will be anxious for a statement performance.
Seton Hall Pirates at Providence Friars – Friday December 19
Seton Hall has been one of the Big East’s most impressive teams through nonconference play. The Pirates’ only loss came by two points to USC, and they have won three straight since. AJ Staton-McCray leads Seton Hall with 13.9 points per game.
Providence returns to the floor in this one before a long break that lasts until January 3. Their performance here could set the tone for the early part of the league race.
What's ahead
These early Big East matchups should bring competitive fire and plenty of drama. Upsets are always possible when conference play begins, and this opening slate could reshuffle expectations quickly. Stay tuned for how the standings shake out.