2019-20 Big East Conference Basketball Power Rankings 3.0
By Dan Stokes
6. Creighton Bluejays (3-3, 14-5)
The Bluejays have been the Big East’s biggest anomaly all season. One game they look unstoppable, the next they barely show up to play. The guard combo of Marcus Zegarowski and Ty-Shon Alexander are turning out to be the best recipe for success. The dynamic duo has led Creighton in scoring 12 of the last19 games. Ultimately I believe Creighton will make the NCAA Tournament, it’s just a matter of them being a seven to nine seed or a 10-12.
5. Butler Bulldogs (3-2, 15-3)
This week it seemed like the Bulldogs bit off more than they could chew. With their first back-to-back losses of the season and a ten rank fall in the AP Poll, Butler needs to quickly snap the skid. However, it may be a tough task for LaVall Jordan as the Bulldogs head to Philadelphia to take on #9 Villanova and a Marquette offense paced by Markus Howard at home.
Coach LaVall Jordan and the Bulldogs spent part of the evening watching Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and discussing its impact. pic.twitter.com/Zoeo7r8YCe
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) January 21, 2020
4. Providence Friars (4-2, 11-8)
The Friars are my sleeper team to win the Big East Tournament. They have a well-balanced offense, they play defense and have an amazing coach in Ed Cooley. With a key shorthanded 63-58 win over the Red Storm at Dunkin’ Donuts Arena, Providence improved to 4-1 in the conference. Their momentum quickly stalled, however, with a 78-74 road loss at Creighton.
With a tough three-game stretch that includes: #10 Seton Hall, #9 Villanova and #15 Butler, Providence has the gauntlet ahead of them. Guards Alpha Diallo and David Duke, the only two Friars with an average of 13 points per game (PPG) or more will have to play the games of their lives. Depending on the outcome, fans will get to see what this Friars team is made of.