BIG EAST teams put together a 4-1 record on Tuesday with the only loss coming by one point.
After an uneven start in the first 10 minutes, Georgetown shifted into high gear in an 80-48 win over visiting Coppin State. The Hoyas (2-2) led 38-23 by halftime and were not challenged in the second half. Jahvon Blair scored a game-high 22 points and Jamorko Pickett had 19 points and 18 rebounds.
Marquette improved to 4-1 with an 82-68 win over Green Bay. Koby McEwen poured in 28 points, which is his career high in a Golden Eagle uniform. He made 5-of-9 from 3-point range. Dawson Garcia added 18 points and seven boards.
Seton Hall powered its way to a 78-45 victory over Wagner. Jared Rhoden recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Ike Obiagu contributed 20 points and eight blocked shots. The Pirates (3-3) were playing their fourth game in eight days.
St. John’s didn’t put it together until the final minutes, but the Johnnies defeated Rider 82-79. Vince Cole scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the final 2:25. St. John’s (5-1) overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half.
No. 8 Creighton had an “almost” at fifth-ranked Kansas, dropping a 73-72 decision at Allen Field House. The Bluejays (3-1) placed four players in double figures led by Denzel Mahoney’s 19 points. Marcus Zegarowski added 16 points. Usually a strong free throw shooting team, Creighton made only 9-of-18 free throws.
BIG EAST teams own an overall record of 34-11 (.756) going into Wednesday’s games.
Both games on Wednesday are part of the Big12-BIG EAST Battle. A 5 p.m. ET, Providence plays at TCU on ESPNU. The Friars (3-2), playing their first true road game of the season, are paced by Nate Watson and David Duke who are averaging 18.8 and 18.0 points, respectively.
Xavier puts its undefeated record on the line against Oklahoma at 8 p.m. at Cintas Center on FS1. The Musketeers (6-0) have shown a balanced scoring attack thus far with Zach Freemantle leading at 17.2 ppg. His 8.5 rebounding mark ranks sixth in the BIG EAST.