Empire Writes Back
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2019-20 Big East Conference Basketball Power Rankings 4.0

By Dan Stokes

VILLANOVA, PA - JANUARY 21: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket against Aaron Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs in the second half at Finneran Pavilion on January 21, 2020 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Butler Bulldogs 76-61. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA - JANUARY 21: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket against Aaron Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs in the second half at Finneran Pavilion on January 21, 2020 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Butler Bulldogs 76-61. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Seton Hall Pirates (7-0, 15-4)

The Pirates have the depth and makings of a Final Four caliber team. Villanova coach Jay Wright told Adam Zagoria of NJ Advanced Media:

"“They’re playing without one of their best players, and they’ve been dominant,” Wright said. “They’ve already beaten top teams with the injuries [to Mamukelashvili and Powell]. They’ve got great depth and size and experience. I definitely think they’re one of the best teams in the country.”"

Wright is right! Seton Hall is expected to get back junior Sandro Mamukelashvili soon after he missed a bulk of the season with a fractured wrist and what a welcomed addition he will be. The No. 10 Pirates scorer was averaging 10.9 PPG and 4.7 rebounds before the injury. Myles Powell is averaging 23 PPG, 5.6 rebound and 2.7 assists in seven Big East games.

With the seventh-best odds to win the NCAA Tournament at 14-to-1, Seton Hall is a value pick to gamblers. A $10 bet would net $150 for a $140 profit.

2. Creighton Bluejays (5-3, 16-5)

I wasn’t a believer in Creighton. They’ve proved me wrong. While the Bluejays just slipped out of the rankings this week, they are a well-coached and a deep team with four starters averaging in double figures. I shouldn’t have doubted Greg McDermott. He’s led Creighton to five NCAA Tournament appearances in 10 seasons at the helm. Behind Ty-Shon Alexander and Marcus Zegarowski, the veteran coach should be making it his sixth postseason appearance.

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1. Villanova Wildcats (6-1, 16-3)

Jay Wright’s No. 8-ranked squad is finally clicking. Five Wildcats are scoring in double figures, led by guard Collin Gillespie, who’s averaging 15.1 PPG along with 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds. Gillespie has stepped up for Villanova. He’s been an excellent free throw shooter at 85 percent from the charity stripe.

The play of Saddiq Bey and Jermaine Samuels have also picked up by Gillespie’s play. The Wildcats made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two National Championships in Wright’s 20 seasons at ‘Nova.

Next. Luis Rojas was the right choice for Mets. dark

Check back with us next week for updated Big East Power Rankings.

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