In the only BIG EAST action on Monday, Butler’s 59-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents – the longest active streak in the nation – came to an end when a second-half rally came up short against Southern Illinois.  The Bulldogs lost 76-73.

After a cold shooting spell in the first half helped contribute to a 51-33 deficit after the break, Butler rallied and had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer when a 3-point attempt missed the mark.  Freshman Chuck Harris led four players in double figures with 22 points.  Bryce Golden added 17 points and nine rebounds.  For a second straight game, Aaron Thompson was out with a knee injury.

After an off day on Tuesday, BIG EAST action returns for a busy Wednesday with four league games and one non-conference contest. 

The schedule begins in the afternoon at 3 p.m. ET with Xavier playing at Creighton in the first battle this season between ranked league teams.  Both national polls have the Bluejays 13th and the Musketeers 22nd.  Xavier’s 8-0 start is its best since a 12-0 beginning in the 2015-16 campaign.  The Bluejays (6-2, 2-1 BIG EAST) are coming a 2-0 road trip with wins at St. John’s and Connecticut.

At 5 p.m., FS1 will carry Georgetown at Seton Hall.  The Pirates (5-4, 2-1 BIG EAST) want to bounce back from a home loss to Providence on Sunday, while the Hoyas (3-4, 1-2 BIG EAST) also lost on Sunday at St. John’s.  The Hall has a five-game home winning streak in the series with the Hoyas.  GU’s Jahvon Blair ranks fourth in the BIG EAST in scoring with a 19.6 average.  Jamorko Pickett is first in rebounding at 9.3.    
  
CBS Sports Network has Providence at Butler at 6 p.m.  The Friars (5-2, 1-0 BIG EAST) are trying to win their third straight road game, while the Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 BIG EAST) want to end a three-game losing streak.  In the two meetings last season, the road team won.

Back on FS1 at 7 p.m., Marquette hosts Villanova.  The Wildcats (7-1, 2-0 BIG EAST) moved up to No. 5 in the AP poll and No. 3 in USA Today.  The Golden Eagles (5-4, 1-2 BIG EAST) have already beaten two ranked foes this season, No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 9 Creighton.

The last game of the night will be DePaul’s first of the season.  The Blue Demons host Western Illinois at 9 p.m. on FS1 at Wintrust Arena.  The Blue Demons are led by guard Charlie Moore, a Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team selection. 

BIG EAST teams own an overall record of 38-14 (.731) in non-conference play going into Wednesday.