MBB Minute – Xavier, DePaul Notch Friday Wins to Keep League Teams Unbeaten
Xavier and DePaul recorded Friday night victories at home to lift the overall record of BIG EAST teams to 13-0.
The Musketeers, ranked 19th in the Associated Press poll and 21st in USA Today, dropped Siena 81-68 at a sold-out Cintas Center. Naji Marshall and Tyrique Jones each scored 20 points. Marshall added eight rebounds and seven assists. Jones grabbed six rebounds and did his damage in only 20 minutes of playing time.
DePaul became the nation’s first 3-0 team after using a late 14-2 run to knock off Fairleigh Dickinson 70-59 at Wintrust Arena. Guard Charlie Moore, a transfer from Kansas, scored a game-high 27 points. Paul Reed helped with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Blue Demons, who helped force 21 turnovers, have each held of their opponents under 60 points. Moore is averaging 19.3 points per game.
Saturday’s slate includes five games with all five league squads aiming for a 2-0 start.
The day starts at noon ET when Georgetown hosts Central Arkansas on FSN. The contest will be the first meeting between the two teams. Center Omer Yurtseven had 20 points and 12 rebounds in his Hoya debut on Wednesday, an 81-68 win over Mount St. Mary’s.
Coming off season openers when they hit the century mark in points, Seton Hall and St. John’s stay on campus for afternoon games. The Pirates, 12th in the AP poll and 13th in USA Today, host Stony Brook at Walsh Gym at 2:30 p.m. on FSN. St. John’s meets Central Connecticut State at 4 p.m. at Carnesecca Arena on FS2. Seton Hall won its opener 105-71 over Wagner and St. John’s beat Kennesaw State 109-79.
Providence hosts NJIT at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center at 4:30 on FSN. The Friars also hit triple digits in their opener, a 106-60 win against Sacred Heart.
The BIG EAST day concludes with Butler hosting New Orleans at 7 p.m. on FSN. The Bulldogs are 1-0 after an 80-47 decision over IUPUI.