Tuesday Review, Wednesday Preview

In what has been a season of upsets for teams in the Top 25, the trend continued last night in arguably the biggest upset in Big East play this season when DePaul who had won only 1 league game knocked off #11 Providence at home 77-70. The absence of Ben Bentil in the second half certainly played a role in the final outcome, but take nothing away from the Blue Demons who started fast and played well, and were leading prior to Bentil's injury. DePaul certainly deserved this one, and maybe gives them a kick start for the rest of the season. 

Butler and Georgetown as expected what a dogfight to the finish between the species of  Bulldogs. What was unexpected was Kelan Martin scoring 19 first half points on his way to a season high 35. Dunham, and Jones added 18, and 19 each to give the Big 3 72 of Butlers 87 points. Georgetown mad a run at the end but the Bulldogs held them off in a game that ended up a bit closer than the final margin of 11 would indicate. 

Tonight 3 game slate include the top 2 team in the conference, Villanova and Xavier, taking on unranked opponents at home in games they should be able to handle. Although don't be surprised if Creighton gives Villanova all the can handle. 

The game of the night in the Big East takes place in Newark, NJ between 2 potential bubble teams come Selection Sunday. 

Seton Hall hosts Marquette in the second matchup between the two teams this year. Seton Hall hammered the Golden Eagles by 20 back in December in what was the Big East opener for both teams. 

Expect a closer contest this time around as Marquette has won 3 in a row, and freshman sensation Henry Ellenson is playing his best basketball of the year coming off a 32 point performance against Butler over the weekend. If the Pirates can neutralize Ellenson and Fischer as they did in the first matchup they should be able to walk out of the Rock with another win. ThePirates can be a bit of a streaky team in terms of their offense but one thing that has consistently come to play every night is the defense. I'm expecting a good game and the trio of Whitehead, Carrington, and Rodriguez to be the difference for The Hall. 

Predictions

Xavier 85 - St John's 68

Villanova 78 - Creighton 70

Seton Hall 75 - Marquette 68