Creighton's Marcus Foster
MBB Minute -- Creighton, Xavier, Providence Keep Rolling
In Tuesday action, Creighton posted an impressive win on the road with Xavier and Providence notching victories at home.
The No. 9/9 Bluejays improved to 12-0 after taking a 96-85 decision at Arizona State. The 12-0 start is Creighton’s best since the 2003-04 team began 12-0. It’s the third best start in school history. Marcus Foster led six players in double figures with 29 points. The Bluejays have been an extremely impressive road team. In their five games away from CenturyLink Center, they are averaging 94.8 ppg and shooting 63-of-121 (.521) from 3-point range.
No. 17/17 Xavier started slowly, but then cruised to an 85-56 victory against Eastern Washington. The Musketeers (10-2) won for the 30
th straight time at Cintas Center against a non-conference opponent. Trevon Bluiett continued his solid play with 16 points, four rebounds and four steals. Edmond Summer added 14 points and nine assists.
Providence built a 41-25 lead by halftime and handled Maine 79-59. Emmitt Holt posted 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Lindsey continued his productive streak with 12 points and nine boards. The Friars (10-2) have won six in a row and play at Boston College on Friday before starting BIG EAST play.
Wednesday’s slate has an FS1 doubleheader with No. 1/1 Villanova hosting American at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by Marquette taking on SIU-Edwardsville at 8:30. No. 13/13 Butler hosts Vermont on FSN at 7 p.m. St. John’s travels to Syracuse for a 7 p.m. tipoff on RSN.
Entering Wednesday, the league’s non-conference record is 89-25 (.781). The BIG EAST is 9-5 against AP ranked teams. In Tuesday’s NCAA RPI rankings, the BIG EAST has four teams ranked in the top 10 – Villanova (1), Xavier (3), Butler (9) and Creighton (10).