Big East Tournament Takeaways: Thursday Evening Edition
Posted by Brian Otskey on March 11th, 2016A great day at Madison Square Garden ended in exciting fashion with Seton Hall’s gutty victory over Creighton in the nightcap. A long day of basketball yesterday sets up two terrific semifinal matchups tonight when No. 1 Villanova faces No. 4 Providence and No. 2 Xavier meets No. 3 Seton Hall.
Marquette (20-13): The result of Marquette’s game with Xavier was clear after the first few minutes, as the Golden Eagles looked out of gas after a grueling game on Wednesday night and never matched the Musketeers’ intensity. Marquette has been a work in progress all year with so many young players to integrate into the program, and that remains true heading toward what may become a NIT bid. Any extra games this year will be good for a group lacking in any sort of postseason experience.
Xavier’s Intensity Far Outpaced Marquette (Photo: USAT Sports)
Xavier (27-4): Chris Mack’s team was fired up from the start last night and never relented. It was an impressive offensive display from a Xavier team that has been well-balanced all season. Trevon Bluiett (24 points on 14 shots) led the way offensively, but the most important takeaway here may be the energy Xavier stored for use in the rest of the tournament. The Musketeers didn’t have to use nearly as much effort as its next opponent, Seton Hall, or even possible championship game opponents Villanova and Providence. When you’re playing the same number of games as days in the event, conservation of energy is important. Xavier may reap the benefits of yesterday’s easy victory in providing a stockpile for the next two nights.
Creighton (18-14): You just had the feeling all season long that Creighton is a year away. That was never more evident than tonight, as the Bluejays flirted with a win but ultimately succumbed to Seton Hall down the stretch. Cole Huff put forth an unbelievable performance, racking up 35 points on 11-of-16 shooting and keeping his team alive in the first half (15 of Creighton’s 30 points) — he was nearly as good as Providence’s Ben Bentil (38 points against Butler) had been in the afternoon session. Creighton point guard Maurice Watson Jr. was mildly disappointing, as he struggled in driving into the paint against Seton Hall’s defense. Creighton has the pieces in place to become one of the better teams in the Big East next season; here’s hoping they are afforded a chance to grow a bit more in the NIT. A 9-9 Big East team should earn a bid in most years — there’s no reason this one should be an exception.
Seton Hall (23-8): Defense and toughness have been this team’s calling cards all season long; traits that have sparked a turnaround in the program that few foresaw. The Pirates held Creighton to 41.0 percent shooting for the game and overcame a career day from Huff with a +20 rebounding margin. Isaiah Whitehead was an absolute warrior down the stretch last night, but fellow sophomore guard Khadeen Carrington was the difference-maker. Every time Creighton made a run or even took the lead, Carrington, who finished with 27 points, was there to answer with a big jump shot. Seton Hall will have to bring its lunch pail work ethic to MSG again tomorrow night against a potent Xavier team that can score with anyone.
