Shamorie Ponds is third in the BIG EAST in scoring (19.2), first in assists (6.0) and steals (2.6).
MBB Minute -- Creighton, Georgetown, Villanova Aiming for 2-0 League Starts on Saturday
It’s early in conference play, but Creighton, Georgetown and Villanova sure would feel good if they could be 2-0 in the league standings by the end of Saturday. All three will have that chance.
Creighton, which won at Providence 79-68 on Monday, visits Butler Saturday at noon ET on FS1. The Bluejays rank third nationally in 3-point shooting, making 44.8 percent and fourth in field goal shooting, connecting on 52 percent. The Bulldogs, who lost at home 84-76 to Georgetown, counter with the league’s top scoring defense, allowing 65.9 points per game. Butler also is first in free throw shooting, making 75 percent.
In a matchup that includes the historical backdrop of Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin as the respective head coaches, Georgetown hosts St. John’s at 1 p.m. on CBS. The Hoyas, off their win at Butler, will take on a St. John’s squad that is 13-1 and coming off an 89-69 win against Marquette. Greg Malinowski gave Georgetown a big boost at Butler with a 26-point scoring effort. For the Johnnies, Shamorie Ponds has been one of the top all-around performers in the league. He ranks third in scoring (19.2), first in assists (6.0) and first in steals (2.6). St. John’s has lost its last 13 games at Georgetown, including a 93-89 double-overtime defeat last year.
Villanova won its opener at home, a 73-68 decision over DePaul, and takes to the road for a game at Providence at 2 p.m. on FS1. The Friars lost to Creighton at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and don’t want to lose their first two league games at home. Both teams are 10-4 overall. Last year in the regular season, each team won on its home floor before the two squads played an epic championship game at the BIG EAST Tournament where the Wildcats prevailed 76-66 in overtime.
The four other BIG EAST teams are set for Sunday action. Xavier plays Marquette at noon ET on FOX and Seton Hall travels to DePaul at 1 p.m.