WBB Notes - 1.31.18
One-Stop Shopping
The BIG EAST Digital Network will stream all nine games this weekend, beginning with four tilts on Friday night. Of the notable weekend series, Creighton will visit NR/RV DePaul on Friday (8 p.m. ET) and RV/RV Marquette on Sunday (2 p.m.). The Blue Demons and Golden Eagles are in a tie for first place in the BIG EAST standings after splitting the season series, while the Bluejays have a BIG EAST-leading three-game winning streak to land in a tie for third with Villanova. Both of Creighton’s games this weekend will also air on FOX Sports Regional Networks, along with the Providence-DePaul tilt on Sunday (3 p.m.). For the full list of regional clearances, see below. Other notable BEDN matchups this weekend include Butler at St. John’s on Friday (7 p.m.), Xavier at Seton Hall Friday (7 p.m.) and Georgetown at Villanova on Saturday (1 p.m.). BEDN is available on the FOX Sports GO app and foxsportsgo.com.
Changing Up The Conversation
Riding a three-game winning streak, Creighton enjoyed a 12-spot spike in its NCAA RPI, landing this week at No. 44. The latest bracketology has the Bluejays in the field as one of the ‘last four in’, joining a trio of other BIG EAST teams – DePaul, Marquette and Villanova – in the conversation. The BIG EAST has had three teams in the NCAA Tournament field the last two years after earning two bids per year in the first two seasons following realignment. The Bluejays made their first NCAA appearance as a member of the BIG EAST in 2017, advancing to the Second Round following a win over Toledo in the First. St. John’s also remains in the hunt, coming in a No. 56 in the RPI. The Red Storm boast the hardest strength of schedule in the BIG EAST at No. 12. Other notable BIG EAST RPIs include the Golden Eagles at No. 20, Wildcats at No. 21, Blue Demons at No. 26, Butler at No. 89 and Seton Hall at No. 94.
Bonus For Blockton
Marquette junior Allazia Blockton has been selected as one of 10 candidates for the 2018 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award given to the top shooting guard in the country in collegiate women’s basketball. Blockton was originally named a 20-person watch list for the inaugural award in November and reached the final list, while producing her finest season as a Golden Eagle. Blockton’s 18.8 points per game average leads the BIG EAST, while also listing seventh in rebounding (6.7).
Weekly Schedule
Friday
Butler at St. John’s, 7 p.m.*^
Xavier at Seton Hall, 7 p.m.*^
Creighton at NR/RV DePaul, 8 p.m.*^#
Providence at RV/RV Marquette, 8 p.m.*^
Saturday
Georgetown at Villanova, 1 p.m.*^
Sunday
Butler at Seton Hall, 1 p.m.*^
Creighton at RV/RV Marquette, 2 p.m.*^#
Xavier at St. John’s, 2 p.m.*^
Providence at NR/RV DePaul, 3 p.m.*^#
*BIG EAST Contest
^BEDN
#FOX Sports Regional
All Times Eastern
#FOX Sports Regional Clearances
CU @ DP: FS Detroit (PLUS), FS Midwest (Nebraska), FS South (non Hurricanes, Pacers, Pelicans), FS Southwest (non Mavs PLUS), FS West, MASN 2, NBC Sports Chicago
PC @ DP: FS Detroit, FS Florida, FS Midwest (PLUS), FS South (non Hurricanes), FS Southwest, Sportstime Ohio, AT&T Sportsnet (Pittsburgh), NBC Sports Chicago, Yurview New England
CU @ MU: FS Detroit (PLUS), FS Midwest (non Grizzlies), FS North (PLUS), FS Ohio, FS Southeast (non Grizzlies, Hawks, Hornets), FS Southwest (non Grizzlies PLUS), FS West, FS Wisconsin (PLUS), MASN 2