
7. Xavier Muskateers (2-5, 13-7)
The X-Men went 1-1 last week in conference play. While I’ve talked about Travis Steele’s squad is very talented, they aren’t playing the brand of basketball that Chris Mack made synonymous with the program. Xavier is a ‘bubble team,’ they really need to win at least half of their games to make the postseason. I’m not sold on this team. Maybe my jinx will turn the tide.
6. Georgetown Hoyas (2-5, 12-8)
I’ll double down on the fact that I’ve said this is a make-or-break season for Patrick Ewing. After seeing his Big East counterpart Chris Mullin leave after one tournament appearance and a quick exit in a play-in game. Mac McClung has knocked down 69-for-232 (.297 percent) in 19 games. He currently paces the Hoyas with 16.6 PPG. Omer Yurtseven has been a revelation in his senior campaign.
5. Marquette Golden Eagles (4-4, 14-6)
One would think if they have the current NCAA Divison-1 leading scorer with 28.3 PPG, they would have an undefeated record or at least better then a 14-6 record. Markus Howard is only one man. The senior point guard has knocked down 80 three-pointers this season. Marquette is a lock for the NCAA Tournament.
Markus Howard discusses Kobe Bryant being an inspiration https://t.co/qLMDCBdXqi #mubb
— Marquette Basketball (@MUHoops) January 27, 2020
4. Butler Bulldogs (4-3, 16-4)
The Bulldogs have overachieved this season after they were predicted to finish eighth in the Big East preseason poll. They will most certainly make the Big Dance. After falling from No. 5 to No. 16 in the Nation in recent weeks, LaVall Jordan needs to snap the mediocre skid that’s befallen his team. Kamar Baldwin has emerged as one of the top guards in the nation. The Winder, Georgia native is averaging 16.9 PPG along with 4.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
#Butler will drop in polls but retains strong resume.
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) January 27, 2020
Butler is No. 9 in NET and has 10 wins from quads 1&2. Only Kansas (11) has more. Baylor also has 10.
Butler (5-4) has 5 quad 1 wins. Only Kansas (8), Seton Hall (7) and Baylor (6) have more. Six teams tied at 5 each.