Friday Night Matchups
Raeshaun Gaffney (Xavier) vs. Alex Louin (Villanova): A nationally televised tilt pits two of the most consistent contributors in the BIG EAST against one another. Gaffney has scored in double figures in 21 of 25 games this season, but one of those single-digit showings was against the Wildcats on Jan. 22 as the redshirt-senior was limited to nine points and five boards. Louin has posted three consecutive double-digit games, averaging 12.7 points per contest during that stretch in which Villanova is 3-0. Louin had 11 points and three dimes against the Musketeers earlier this season in Villanova’s 72-47 win. Tipoff at the Pavilion is set for 7:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1.
Sydney Shelton (Butler) vs. Dorothy Adomako (Georgetown): The rookie Shelton has continued to improve as the season progresses, averaging 14.2 points per game over her last five tilts and earning BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors this past Monday. She was limited to 23 minutes against the Hoyas on Jan. 22, but has played 30 or more in three of five games since. Adomako is hitting her stride, averaging 19.3 points over the last three games. The league’s No. 5 scorer will look to rebound from her six-point outing against the Bulldogs earlier this year, a game which Georgetown won 58-52. Tipoff on FOX Sports Regional Networks is set for 7 p.m., while the game can also be seen on the BIG EAST Digital Network.
Akina Wellere (St. John’s) vs. Yoyo Nogic (Proivdence): Wellere had a big weekend last week, averaging 17.5 points off 56-percent shooting in a home series against Villanova and Georgetown. She tacked Providence for 20 points off 8-13 shooting in their first meeting, which St. John’s won at home 60-50. With four league games remaining, Nogic has already passed last season’s three-point field goal leader (44) as the Friar sophomore has 46 made threes, including 10 of 14 BIG EAST games with at least three triples. Nogic was 5-for-9 from beyond the arc against the Red Storm on Jan. 22, scoring all 15 of her points from deep. Tipoff on BEDN is set for 7 p.m.
Kaela Hilaire (Seton Hall) vs. Jaylyn Agnew (Creighton): Though veterans get the bulk of the attention on both teams, a rookie battle between Hilaire and Agnew is intriguing. Hilaire is coming off back-to-back double-digit scoring games and has posted five or more assists in three of her last five tilts. She was limited to just 18 minutes against the Bluejays on Jan. 22, a game which Creighton came from behind late to score a 70-60 overtime win. Agnew has come off the bench all season and provided solid contributions, including 10 points against Providence on Saturday and eight against the Pirates three weeks ago. She’s nearly doubled her scoring average from non-conference play (4.4 to 8.1 PPG) as Agnew’s minutes have increased as well. Tipoff on BEDN is slated for 8 p.m.
Weekend Schedule
Friday
St. John’s at Providence, 7 p.m.*#
Butler at Georgetown, 7 p.m.*%
Xavier at Villanova, 7:30 p.m.*^
Seton Hall at RV/RV Creighton, 8 p.m.*#
Sunday
Seton Hall at Providence, 1 p.m.*#
Butler at Villanova, 1 p.m.*#
Xavier at Georgetown, 2 p.m.*#
17/15 DePaul at Marquette, 2 p.m.*&
St. John’s at RV/RV Creighton, 6:30 p.m.*%
All times Eastern
*BIG EAST contest
#BEDN
^FS1
&FS2
%FSN