Ryan Arcidiacono, Villanova
On Saturday, the only two battles in college basketball between two teams ranked in the top 20 involve BIG EAST teams. The eight-game Saturday BIG EAST schedule is loaded with significant challenges.
BIG EAST teams have compiled a 77-23 (.770) record against non-conference competition through Friday.
No. 12/13 Villanova visits No. 8/9 Virginia for a noon ET tipoff on ESPN2. Both teams are 8-1. The Wildcats are first in the BIG EAST in scoring defense, allowing only 57.1 ppg.
No. 17/18 Butler takes on unbeaten No. 9/8 Purdue in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis, Ind., at 5 p.m. on BTN. The Bulldogs (8-1) are second in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 91.7 ppg after averaging only 69.0 ppg last season.
Seton Hall hosts Wichita State at the Prudential Center on FOX at noon. Both teams are on three-game winning streaks. The Shockers have won 30+ games for the past three seasons. The Pirates will be wearing throwback uniforms worn in 1989 when they played in the NCAA title game.
No. 10/10 Xavier hosts Auburn on FS1, also at noon. A win will give the Musketeers (10-0) their best start in school history. Xavier is 17-5 against SEC teams since 2008.
At 2 p.m. on ESPNU, Creighton will play at No. 3/3 Oklahoma. The Bluejays knocked off the Sooners 65-63 last year in Omaha.
DePaul hosts local rival Northwestern at Allstate Arena. FS1 has the game at 2 p.m. The Blue Demons, who won the last meeting two seasons ago in Evanston, are 5-5 while the Wildcats pull in at 9-1.
FOX Sports Network will televise the Georgetown and Providence contests. Georgetown hosts UNC-Asheville at the Verizon Center at noon. The Hoyas (6-4) want to bounce back after Tuesday’s loss to Monmouth. Providence meets Rider at 8 p.m. The Friars are expected to have Kris Dunn back after missing last Saturday’s game due to illness.
St. John’s lost 73-51 to Incarnate Word on Friday at Carnesecca Arena. Durand Johnson had 15 points and six rebounds for the Red Storm who lost for the first time at home this season. They host NJIT on Sunday on FS1.