Xavier and UConn strengthened their NCAA Tournament resumes on Saturday while Georgetown continued its recent improved play with a road victory.
On his Senior Day, Paul Scruggs delivered a top-flite performance with a game-high 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Musketeers (13-5, 6-5 BIG EAST) in their 77-69 win over 13th-ranked Creighton at Cintas Center. Zach Freemantle provided plenty of support with 17 points, and 10 rebounds, his fifth straight double-double. Damien Jefferson led the Bluejays (17-6, 13-5 BIG EAST) with 19 points. Marcus Zegarowski finished with 15 points and 10 assists.
Connecticut also leaned on a productive duo to lead the team to victory. James Bouknight tallied a game-high 24 points and backcourt mate RJ Cole added 21 points in an 80-62 victory over Marquette at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies (12-6, 9-6 BIG EAST) used a 19-4 run midway in the first half to take control of the game. The win clinched a first-round bye in the BIG EAST Tournament. Marquette (11-13, 6-11 BIG EAST) was led by Dawson Garcia’s 18 points and eight rebounds. Justin Lewis returned from a leg injury and scored 14 points off the bench.
Georgetown has won three of its last four games after knocking off DePaul 68-60. Chudier Bile posted his first double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Hoyas (8-11, 6-8 BIG EAST). Jerome Pickett and Dante Harris each added 14 points. Georgetown was hot from the free throw line, making 19-of-21. Charlie Moore netted a game-high 22 points for the Blue Demons (4-12, 2-12 BIG EAST).
The lone game on Sunday’s schedule has Villanova playing at Butler in a noon ET tip at Hinkle Fieldhouse. CBS will televise. The Wildcats, ranked eighth in the AP poll, (15-3, 10-2 BIG EAST), beat the Bulldogs (8-13, 7-11 BIG EAST) 85-66 on Dec. 16 in the first meeting between the teams this season. Butler took last year’s meeting at Hinkle, 79-76. The Bulldogs are coming off a 61-52 home win over Seton Hall.
Going into Sunday, home teams own a 48-37 (.565) record in BIG EAST games and have won 12 of the last 15 contests.