The Big East Tournament semifinals have arrived, bringing together the top four teams in the conference in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of college basketball.
These teams have dominated the season and are all but guaranteed spots in the upcoming NCAA tournament. However, this weekend is not about the national stage; it’s about proving who reigns supreme in the Big East.
With matchups featuring St. John’s against Marquette and UConn squaring off with Creighton, fans can expect high-stakes drama and top-tier basketball action.
The Rise of St. John’s
St. John’s has had a remarkable season, finishing with a 28-4 record and securing their second consecutive appearance in the Big East Tournament semifinals.
This achievement is even more impressive considering they hadn’t reached this stage since 2000. The Red Storm’s success can be attributed to several factors, including elite defense, dynamic backcourt play from RJ Luis and Kadary Richmond, and an unyielding will to win.
Key Players and Strategies
RJ Luis has been particularly effective against Marquette, scoring a combined 45 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in their two regular-season matchups.
Zuby Ejiofor has also been a force, dominating the boards with 13 and 12 rebounds in those games. For Marquette to have a chance, they must limit St. John’s offensive rebounds and force them into taking three-point shots.
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Marquette’s Road to Redemption
Marquette has had a rollercoaster season but showed their resilience by overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat Xavier in the quarterfinals.
Led by all-conference guard Kam Jones, who delivered a stellar 28-point, five-assist performance, Marquette’s experienced roster is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their struggles against St. John’s during the regular season, Marquette has a chance for redemption.
The key will be to improve their rebounding and perimeter shooting. If players like David Joplin, Chase Ross, and Ben Gold can hit their outside shots, Marquette could turn the tide in their favor.
Notably, Marquette has a strong track record in the Big East Tournament, winning six of their last seven games.
The UConn vs. Creighton Showdown
The second semifinal game features a highly anticipated matchup between UConn and Creighton.
Both teams secured road victories against each other during the regular season, making this game a true rubber match. UConn has been peaking at the right time, winning five straight games, while Creighton has relied on their potent offensive system and All-American center Ryan Kalkbrenner.
UConn’s Momentum
UConn’s recent success can be attributed to the resurgence of Alex Karaban, who played a pivotal role in their 73-56 win over Villanova with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
The Huskies’ experience in high-pressure March moments was evident as they closed out their quarterfinal victory on a 22-5 run. The key to their success against Creighton will be the performance of their big men, Samson Johnson and Tarris Reed, against Kalkbrenner.
Creighton’s Offensive Prowess
Creighton, led by head coach Greg McDermott, boasts one of the best offensive systems in the country.
However, their success will hinge on the performance of point guard Steven Ashworth, who struggled in their double-overtime win against DePaul. Ashworth must improve his shooting efficiency for Creighton to have a shot at victory. Kalkbrenner will also play a crucial role, having previously posted 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in their last game.
What’s at Stake
Both semifinal games are set to take place under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure. The winners will earn a coveted spot in the Big East Tournament title game.
These matchups are must-see events for college basketball fans. As Marquette’s David Joplin aptly put it, *Games like this in the Big East Tournament, win or go home. There’s nowhere to go, there’s nowhere to hide.*
For more detailed coverage and analysis, visit the original article on FOX Sports.
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