MBB Minute – The BIG EAST league opener went to overtime before Providence claimed a road win at DePaul on Tuesday. Xavier set scoring records in a victory over Morgan State. Butler overcame a 23-point deficit, but the Bulldogs lost at home to North Dakota State.
 
Providence (7-4, 1-0 BIG EAST) made up an eight-point deficit in the final 3:37 of regulation to force the extra period before capturing a 70-63 victory. Bensley Joseph led PC with 20 points, seven assists and no turnovers in over 41 minutes of playing time. Bryce Hopkins added 19 points and 10 rebounds. David Skogman led DePaul (7-2, 0-1) with 22 points, which included six 3-pointers.
 
Xavier set a Cintas Center record for most points scored with its 119-58 smacking of Morgan State. The margin of victory was the largest in program history. The Musketeers (8-2) led 46-14 at halftime. Zach Freemantle poured in 27 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished four assists and did not commit a turnover in 22 minutes.
 
Against North Dakota State, Butler recovered from a 23-point deficit to take a five-point lead late in the game, but it could not hold on in a 71-68 defeat at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs (7-3) were carried by Pierre Brooks and Jahmyl Telfort. Brooks had 26 points and seven rebounds while Telfort finished with 23 points and six boards.
 
Wednesday’s schedule shows two games with Villanova hosting Fairleigh Dickinson on FS1 and Bryant playing at St. John’s on CBSSN. Both contests tip at 7 p.m. ET. The Wildcats’ Eric Dixon ranks second nationally in scoring with a 25.7 average. The Johnnies’ rank sixth nationally in blocked shots, averaging 6.1 per game.
 
BIG EAST teams are 76-30 (.712) against non-conference competition going into Wednesday.