MBB Minute – UConn improved to 14-1 with a 73-57 win over Marquette, while Seton Hall came back to edge Creighton, 56-54.
Sunday, Jan. 4
UConn 73, Marquette 57 -
Box Score
The Huskies secured their 10th straight win Sunday afternoon behind a stifling defense against Marquette. After the pair of teams traded early jabs, the Huskies took their largest lead in the early going, 16-8 at the under 12-minute timeout. Leading 37-29 at the break, UConn opened the second half on a 15-4 run to pull away. Solo Ball led all players and three Huskies in double-figures with 17 points, pulling down a season-high eight rebounds and adding a steal and a block. Silas Demary Jr. battled through foul trouble to score 14 points in 21 minutes, while Tarris Reed Jr. narrowly missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Nigel James Jr. led the Golden Eagles with 15 points, while Chase Ross added 11.
Seton Hall 56, Creighton 54 - Box Score
Seton Hall erased a 16-point second-half deficit, capped by a layup from Najai Hines with 1.3 seconds remaining, to secure the home win over Creighton. The Bluejays took a 27-18 lead into the locker room following a first half that was heavy on defense. The Jays scored the final seven points before the intermission, as Josh Dix led the way with 10 points and five rebounds at the half. Seton Hall scored the first five points of the second half to close within 27-23, only to have the Bluejays unleash a 14-2 run to move in front 41-25. The Pirates then forced four turnovers in just over two minutes to get back into the game as part of a 13-0 run to trim CU’s lead to 45-43. Trailing 54-53, Seton Hall forced tie-ups with 13.4 and 10.8 seconds to play to get the ball back and set up one final offensive possession. Clark pulled up for a contested jumper that rimmed out, but Hines was there for the putback with 1.3 seconds left. Hines was also fouled on the play and made the free throw. The Pirates were led offensively by Elijah Fisher (10 points), while Najai Fisher tallied eight points and nine rebounds. Six Seton Hall players scored eight or more points. Austin Swartz led Creighton with 16 points, while Jasen Green had 13 and Dix finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
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In the latest national rankings, UConn holds steady at No. 4 in both polls, while Villanova jumped to No. 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Wildcats and Pirates, rank just outside the AP Rankings at No. 26 and No. 27, respectively.
League play continues on Tuesday with Butler hosting St. John’s at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock, before Georgetown travels to Chicago to take on DePaul at 8 p.m. on TruTV.
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BIG EAST Men's Basketball Public Availability Reports
Beginning in 2025-26, the BIG EAST Conference will provide public reports on the availability of student-athletes in conference games in the sports of men's and women's basketball.
Men's Basketball Availability Report
BIG EAST schools will be required to submit availability reports three hours before the scheduled tipoff time. Under the reporting structure, players will be designated as "questionable" or "out." Availability reports will be posted on the BIG EAST website throughout the 2025-26 season.