MBB Minute – For the first time in school history, Creighton defeated a No. 1 ranked team, beating Connecticut 85-66 Tuesday before 18,071 at the CHI Health Center. In the other league game on Tuesday, Villanova used a strong defensive and rebounding effort to defeat visiting Butler 72-62 and move into a tie for fifth place.
 
In Omaha, the hot-shooting Bluejays (20-7, 11-5 BIG EAST) made 54.7 percent from the field, including 14-of-28 from 3-point range. They led 43-29 at halftime and did not allow the Huskies (24-3, 14-2) to get closer than 10 points the rest of the way. Steven Ashworth led four Bluejays in double figures with 20 points followed by Trey Alexander (16), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (15). The victory was the 600^th career win for coach Greg McDermott.
 
The Huskies (24-3, 14-2) saw their 14-game winning steak end. Tristen Newton posted 27 points and 12 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season.
 
Villanova established a 44-35 halftime edge, then maintained the lead throughout the second half, holding the Bulldogs to 33.3 percent shooting after the break. The Wildcats (15-11, 8-7) also enjoyed a 37-20 rebounding edge. Eric Dixon led the VU charge with 22 points and six rebounds. The Bulldogs (16-11, 7-9) got 19 points and seven rebounds from Jahmyl Telfort.
 
The Wednesday game that figures to have the most importance on the ever-shifting middle of the standings is Providence at Xavier at 8 p.m. ET on CBSSN. The Friars are tied for fifth with Villanova at 8-7 with the Musketeers at 7-7. Xavier won the first meeting 85-65 on Jan. 13. In an FS1 doubleheader, St. John’s plays at Georgetown at 7 p.m. followed by DePaul at Marquette at 9 p.m.