Big East Tournament: High expectations for St. John’s and Seton Hall
By Dan Stokes
St. John’s Red Storm
Winning two of their last three, including a 91-71 route over No. 10 Creighton, St. John’s might be one of the hottest teams entering the conference tournament. The Johnnies are averaging 74.6 points per game led by LJ Figueroa and his 14.3 ppg.
In 18 seasons as a head coach, Mike Anderson has never had a losing season. The Red Storm ensured his streak continued, finishing with a 16-15 mark (I predicted it here).
St. John’s is slated to kick-off the conference tournament against Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas. Anderson’s squad dropped both games to G-Town but this time Ewing’s squad is even more depleted. GU stars Mac McClung and Omer Yurtseven still aren’t a lock to play. Call it conjecture, but it’s also hard to beat the same team three times in a row.
If SJU can squeak past the Hoyas, they will take on Creighton which may be a shell of itself. Greg McDermott’s squad may be without star guard Marcus Zegarowski. The Bluejays point guard suffered an injury to his right meniscus in the team’s 77-60 win over Seton Hall, last Saturday.
The university considers the 6-2 guard doubtful to play in the quarterfinal round against the winner of St. John’s and Georgetown.
Creighton sophomore guard Marcus Zegarowski has been diagnosed with a meniscus injury to his right knee.
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) March 9, 2020
He will continue to be evaluated in the days to come and is considered doubtful for Creighton’s BIG EAST Tournament opener on Thursday.https://t.co/WBHACvtq2k
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If Figueroa and freshman sensation Julian Champagnie can make the improbable run past the Hoyas and Bluejays and into the semifinals, perhaps there may just be some March Magic. However it shakes out for the Johnnies, I would anticipate them on earning a berth in the NIT.
Big East Tournament Seeding
- Creighton Bluejays (13-5 Big East, 24-7 overall)
- Villanova Wildcats (13-5, 24-7)
- Seton Hall Pirates (13-5, 21-9)
- Providence Friars (12-6, 19-12)
- Butler Bulldogs (10-8, 22-9)
- Marquette Golden Eagles (8-10, 18-12)
- Xavier Musketeers (8-10, 19-12)
- Georgetown Hoyas (5-13, 15-16)
- St. John’s Red Storm (5-13, 16-15)
- DePaul Blue Demons (3-15, 15-16)
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Who do you think will win the Big East Tournament. Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.