MBB Minute: Butler, Xavier, Seton Hall, Providence Earn Noteworthy Victories
Butler handed Purdue its first loss of the season. Xavier set a school mark for the best start in school history. Seton Hall rallied to defeat Wichita State. And Providence found a way to win again without Kris Dunn, all part of an eight-game Saturday in the BIG EAST.
No. 17/18 Butler built a 15-point lead in the second half, then held on to defeat previously undefeated No. 9/8 Purdue 74-68 in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis, Ind. Roosevelt Jones led the winners with 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Tyler Lewis posted 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
No. 10/10 Xavier improved its record to 11-0 – the best start in school history – with an 85-61 win over visiting Auburn. Jalen Reynolds made 7-of-9 from the floor en route to a season-high 18 points to go along with six rebounds. He did it all in only 21 minutes. Five Musketeers reached double figures.
Seton Hall was down by 13 points in the first half against Wichita State before rallying in the second half and winning 80-76 in overtime. Desi Rodriguez scored all of his career-high 18 points after halftime. Angel Delgado had his fourth straight double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Whitehead had 17 points, five rebounds and four blocked shots.
Providence’s Dunn remained out with a stomach virus, but the Friars got double-doubles from three players in its 73-65 win over Rider. Ben Bentil continued his productive play with 19 points and 12 boards. Rodney Bullock finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Lindsey helped with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
No. 12/13 Villanova dropped an 86-75 decision at No. 8/9 Virginia. Kris Jenkins led the Wildcats with a career-high 23 points. Daniel Ochefu added 13 points and five rebounds against the Cavaliers who shot 56.5 percent from the floor and won the rebounding battle 31-19.
Creighton made a late run at No. 3/3 Oklahoma, but lost 87-74. Maurice Watson, Jr. had 19 points, seven assists and only one turnover for the Bluejays. Cole Huff added 12 points.
DePaul lost 78-70 in overtime to Northwestern at Allstate Arena. Myke Henry led the Blue Demons with 24 points and eight rebounds. Aaron Simpson added 13 points and also pulled down eight boards.
Georgetown dropped its second straight game, a 79-73 decision against UNC-Asheville. Bradley Hayes had 11 points, 18 rebounds and six assists. Freshman Kaleb Johnson came off the bench to score 16 points.
BIG EAST teams have compiled an 81-27 (.750) record against non-conference competition.
Only one BIG EAST game on Sunday – St. John’s hosts NJIT on FS1 at noon ET.