MBB Minute – Third-ranked Villanova knocked off Arizona State late Thanksgiving night to cap a 3-0 day for BIG EAST teams and push the overall conference record to 11-0.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 3 in both national polls, beat the 18th-ranked Sun Devils 83-74 to win the Empire Classic, which was played at Mohegan Sun Arena.  Jeremiah Robinson-Earl led the winning effort with a career-high 28 points and eight rebounds and was named Tournament MVP.  Justin Moore added 12 points and 12 rebounds.  A strong collective defensive effort held ASU all-America candidate Remy Martin to five points.

Xavier and St. John’s moved to 2-0 with afternoon victories.  The Musketeers’ Dwon Odom connected on a driving layup in the final seconds to edge Bradley 51-50 in the second round of the Xavier Invitational.  Zach Freemantle posted a game-high 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds.  Xavier aims for the Xavier Invitational title Friday at noon ET against Toledo.

St. John’s won the Lapchick Tournament crown with an 82-65 victory over St. La Salle at Carnesecca Arena.  Vince Cole led four players in double figures with 19 points.  Marcellus Earlington added 14 points off the bench.  The Johnnies’ defense helped force 26 Explorer turnovers.

In addition to Xavier’s game, Friday’s schedule includes Seton Hall’s season opener at Louisville on ESPN2 at 4:30 p.m.  Also, Marquette hosts Eastern Illinois at 7:30 p.m. on FS1 and Connecticut plays visit Hartford at 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.