2019-2020 Big East Conference Basketball Power Rankings 5.0
By Dan Stokes
8. Georgetown Hoyas (3-6. 13-9)
A narrow loss to Butler to begin the week must have put a bad taste in his mouth. However, with St. John’s as the next opponent, Patrick Ewing had to be salivating on his return to Madison Square Garden. Short-handed, without star guard Mac McClung, the Hoyas broke from their usual seven-man rotation and reached deep into their bench.
In a game that was a “must-win” for both teams, Georgetown found themselves down by 17-points in the second half. Big man Omer Yurtseven notched a double-double (13 points, 15 rebounds) including the game-winning layup with seconds to go. Right now I’d consider the Hoyas a “bubble team.” If they can defeat No. 12 Seton Hall at home, Ewing might be dancing.
The Big East Tournament is going to be a battle of wills in five weeks.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 2, 2020
The latest example of how tough this league is from top to bottom?
Georgetown comes back from 17 down in the second half without Mac McClung to beat St. John's at MSG.#SJUBB
7. Butler Bulldogs (5-4, 17-5)
I don’t know how the Bulldogs have remained ranked. They are the feel-good story of the Big East for sure. Picked last in the conference, they have gone on to be ranked as high as No. 5. But the losses keep piling up against low-quality teams. The Bulldogs are still a Tournament team behind Kamar Baldwin and Sean McDermott. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: Baldwin is a top 10 guard in the Nation.
#Butler senior Sean McDemott made Big East honor roll for third time this season. He had 25 points (tied career high with seven 3s) and eight rebounds at Georgetown, and 10 points/seven rebounds vs. Providence.
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) February 3, 2020
6. Xavier Musketeers (3-6, 14-8)
The Muskateers needed a win in a big way. After a heartbreaking 84-82 home loss to Marquette, Travis Steele’s squad pulled off a road victory of their own, a 74-62 upset of Seton Hall, Sunday morning. Naji Marshall logged 39 minutes on the court with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Tyrique Jones added 19 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks. This might be the turnaround Xavier needs to propel themselves into the “bubble team” conversation.
5. Providence Friars (5-4, 12-10)
I still have Ed Cooley’s team as the potential sleeper to win the Big East Tournament in March. They are well-coached, disciplined and most importantly they play fundamentally sound basketball. Alpha Diallo is averaging 12.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. His teammate David Duke is right on his coattails averaging 12.6 points and 3.5 assists.
Providence will need to crank it up a notch in the stretch. Aside from three ranked opponents in the final nine conference contests, the Friars have a good chance to get back in the NCAA Tournament conversation with winnable games.
Clutch performance from Luwane Pipkins boost Providence over no. 16 Butler. pic.twitter.com/lPrW2Y3Ag8
— Providence MBB (@PCFriarsmbb) February 1, 2020
4. Creighton Bluejays (6-3, 17-5)
The Bluejays are back in the AP Top 25 for the second time this season. Greg McDermott is vying for conference coach of the year. I wouldn’t say he’s the favorite to land the top honor, with Jay Wright, LaVall Jordan and Kevin Willard standing in his way.
Yet, with the play of Ty-Shon Alexander and Marcus Zegarowski, McDermott, who’s led Creighton for the past 10 seasons, has a real chance to win it. With two games left against Seton Hall, the Bluejays can propel themselves into a top-6 seed come March.