Xavier's J.P. Macura Had 15 Points in the Win at Northern Iowa.
MBB Minute -- Xavier Wins at Northern Iowa; Villanova, Providence Also Triumph
In front of a sellout crowd at Northern Iowa, No. 9 Xavier kept its cool and nailed down a 77-67 victory Friday night. The Musketeers (12-1) used an 11-2 run to break away from a 46-46 tie in the second half and made all 10 of its free throws in the final two minutes.
J.P. Macura led balanced Xavier scoring with 15 points. Trevon Bluiett added 12 points before fouling out and Kaiser Gates helped with 11 points and nine rebounds.
No. 1 Villanova took a “home” game to Nassau Coliseum on Long Island and defeated Hofstra 95-71. The Wildcats have had to play a few games away from home while The Pavilion is being renovated this season. Mikal Bridges scored 20 points and Omari Spellman posted the fourth double-double of his freshman season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Villanova committed only seven turnovers.
Providence got back on track, despite playing without injured Kyron Cartwright, winning 89-75 over visiting Sacred Heart. Rodney Bullock poured in 31 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Isaiah Jackson supported the PC cause with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. He did not commit a turnover in 37 minutes. The Friars (9-4) had a 49-32 lead by halftime.
Both BIG EAST teams in action on Saturday are playing at noon ET. Georgetown (9-1) hosts Alabama A&M on FS1 and Seton Hall (10-2) takes on Manhattan at Prudential Center on FSN. BIG EAST conference play begins Dec. 27.
BIG EAST teams have won 58 of the last 68 games overall. For the season, the BIG EAST non-conference record is 98-23 (.810), the best record since 1988-89 (.831).