MBB Minute – All four BIG EAST teams in action on Saturday picked up homecourt victories with St. John’s pushing its record to 7-0. Georgetown, Providence and Marquette also posted wins.
 
St. John’s defeated Niagara 78-70 in Carnesecca Arena on the strength of a memorable performance by Joel Soriano. The center finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds. It was the first 20-plus points and 19-rebound effort for St. John’s since Shawnelle Scott had 20 points and 19 boards on Feb. 17, 1993. Four other Johnnies scored 10 points each. 
 
Georgetown’s Jay Heath and Primo Spears combined for 45 points on a combined 17-of-34 shooting, including 8-of-10 from 3-point range, to lift the Hoyas (4-3) to a 79-70 victory against UMBC. The game was tied 42-42 at halftime before the Hoyas opened the second half with a 16-0 run.
 
Providence got a lift from reserves Jayden Pierre and Jayden Pierre in its 78-64 win against Columbia. Pierre scored 13 points and Breed added nine points in only 11 minutes of playing time. Ed Croswell chipped in 13 points. PC led 38-28 and maintained a double-digit lead in the final 12 minutes.
 
Marquette used a 10-0 spurt to open the second half in its 82-68 win against Chicago State. Olivier-Maxence Prosper posted his first career double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Tyler Kolek, the BIG EAST assist leader with a 7.9 average, had eight helpers.
 
Sunday shows a return to tournament play for four teams.  At 3 p.m. ET, ESPN2 will televise Villanova versus Oregon followed by Seton Hall meeting Siena at 5 p.m. ESPN will carry Xavier against Gonzaga at 7:30 p.m. followed by the championship game of PK Invitational when Connecticut plays Iowa State at 10 p.m.