MBB Minute – Butler never trailed on Friday against Xavier, but the Bulldogs had to off a late rally to beat the first-place Musketeers 69-67. Xavier trailed 35-21 at halftime, but rallied to tie the game 67-67 with nine seconds to play. The Musketeers were called for goaltending with 2.5 seconds left on a shot by Eric Hunter, Jr. Butler (13-13, 5-10 BIG EAST) got a game-high 20 points from Jayden Taylor. Colby Jones led Xavier with 17 points and eight rebounds. The loss drops Xavier (19-6, 11-3 BE) into a first-place tie with Marquette.
 
A four-game Saturday includes a battle between ranked opponents. No. 23 Creighton puts its seven-game winning streak on the line when it hosts No. 21 Connecticut at 2 p.m. ET on FOX. The Bluejays (16-8, 10-3 BE) lost to the Huskies (19-6, 8-6 BE) 69-60 on Jan. 7 at Gampel Pavilion. UConn’s Adama Sanogo led all scorers with 26 points. Creighton is 11-1 at home, 7-0 in the BIG EAST.
 
Two games tip at noon. No. 20 Providence meets St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on FOX. The Friars (18-6, 10-3 BE) took the first meeting against the Red Storm (14-11, 4-10 BE) 83-80 on Jan. 7. St. John’s wants to end a three-game winning streak. PC’s Bryce Hopkins ranks fifth in the BIG EAST in scoring (16.1) and second in rebounding (9.3). St. John’s Posh Alexander is first in steals (2.1).
 
Also at noon, No. 10 Marquette travels to Georgetown on FS1. The Golden Eagles (19-6, 11-3 BE) lost at UConn 87-72 on Tuesday. The Hoyas (6-19, 1-13 BE) lost at Providence 74-62. forward Bradley Ezewiro stepped up at Providence with a career-high 18 points. Marquette defeated Georgetown 95-73 on Jan. 7.
 
Villanova hosts Seton Hall at 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo on FS1. The Wildcats (11-13, 5-8 BE) are coming off Wednesday’s 81-65 win against DePaul. The Pirates (15-10, 8-6 BE) have won seven of their last nine, but dropped a 74-62 decision to Creighton on Wednesday.