MBB Minute – Butler, Xavier, St. John’s Nail Down Tuesday Victories
In Tuesday’s BIG EAST play, Butler got a victory in the Gavitt Tipoff Games, Xavier prevailed in overtime against Missouri and St. John’s improved to 3-0 with a win over New Hampshire. In the other Gavitt Tipoff Games matchup, Creighton became the first BIG EAST team to taste defeat this season, losing at Michigan.
BIG EAST teams are a combined 22-1 for the year.
Butler’s Kamar Baldwin scored 27 points and the Bulldogs held Minnesota to 33.3 percent shooting from the field in a 64-56 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Bryce Nze added 11 points and eight rebounds. The win gave Butler its 53rd straight home win against a non-conference opponent, which is the second longest streak in the nation.
Xavier’s Naji Marshall connected on a 3-pointer with 26 seconds left in regulation to force overtime against visiting Missouri. Then, the Musketeers outscored the Tigers 12-7 in the extra stanza and grabbed a 63-58 win. Tyrique Jones scored a team-high 17 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Newcomer Jason Carter added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
St. John’s used a 12-0 run in the latter stages of the second half to secure a 74-61 victory against New Hampshire at Carnesecca Arena. L.J. Figueroa was the dominant force with 25 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Josh Roberts added 12 points, seven boards and four blocked shots.
Creighton held a 41-38 halftime edge at Michigan, but had trouble stopping the Wolverines in the second half and lost 79-69. Ty-Shon Alexander led the Bluejays with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Creighton outrebounded the taller Wolverines 38-27, but Michigan shot 60 percent from the field in the second half.
Wednesday is the busiest day for the Gavitt Tipoff Games with three matchups on tap. Villanova plays at Ohio State on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET followed by Purdue at Marquette. Providence travels to Northwestern for a 9 p.m. tip on BTN.