We have arrived at the final week of the regular season, and UConn has clinched its first outright Big East regular season title since 1999.
With strong performances from UConn’s Tristen Newton and Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman, it’s safe to say that there is some competition for the Big East Player of the Year award. Let’s hand out our penultimate weekly awards of the season on this edition of Big East Baller Update.
Player of the Week: Baylor Scheierman, G, Creighton (23 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 50 FG%, 54.5 3P%, 100 FT% in two games)
Baylor Scheierman was undoubtedly the best player in the Big East last week, helping Creighton push for a chance at the No. 2 seed in the Big East Tournament. The Aurora, Nebraska native recorded a double-double in both of the Bluejays’ massive wins, including putting up 26 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two steals in a top-5 win over then-No. 5 Marquette. The senior guard made six 3-pointers in both games last week and looks to make a push for the Big East Player of the Year award. Scheierman ranks third in the conference in scoring with 18.5 points per game and averages 8.9 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the Big East.
Freshman of the Week: Stephon Castle, G, UConn (vs. Seton Hall: 21 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 9-12 FG)
Castle has tied Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony for the most Big East Freshman of the Week honors with ten this season with one more week in the regular season. The Covington, Georgia native excelled in UConn’s final home game of the season, tying his career high of 21 points on 75% shooting from the floor. Those who questioned why Castle is projected as a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft saw why they were wrong on Sunday.
Top Games
Villanova holds on to bubble status and pushes Providence out of the projected field, 71-60
The Amica Mutual Pavilion is considered one of the toughest places to win on the road in the Big East. Villanova was not intimidated. Both teams are considered bubble teams for the NCAA Tournament. Villanova guard Justin Moore shot 5-10 from the floor to score 15 points, including four 3-pointers. Moore scored nine points in the first half, but the Wildcats trailed 37-34 at halftime. Thanks to eight points scored in the second half by guard Mark Armstrong, Villanova went on an 18-2 run, erasing the three-point deficit. Providence was led by forward Josh Oduro, who finished the game with 16 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Guard Devin Carter, another Big East Player of the Year candidate, added 13 points, nine boards and three steals to lead the Friars.
Scheierman gets hot late as No. 12 Creighton beats Kolek-less No. 5 Marquette, 89-75
When the score was 67-65, Scheierman got hot at the right time and made three straight 3-pointers late in the game, sparking a 20-8 game-ending run. He proved that he was worthy of this week’s Big East Player of the Week honor, along with keeping himself in the race for the Big East Player of the Year award. Without star guard Tyler Kolek and starting big man Oso Ighodaro, Marquette still managed to fight in this game. Guard Kam Jones led the Golden Eagles in scoring last season and led the way in this one with help from forward David Joplin. Jones scored 23 points on 9-16 shooting, while Joplin made his performance known with 21 points, with most of his scoring coming when Marquette went on a run in the second half. Along with Scheierman, center Ryan Kalkbrenner finished with 19 points and guard Trey Alexander had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Claude’s career performance leads Xavier past Georgetown, 98-93
Desmond Claude is one of the best guards in the Big East, leading the Musketeers with a career-high 36 points on 13-20 shooting in the team’s five-point win at Georgetown. Trailing the Hoyas at the half 49-37, the New Haven, Connecticut native posted 26 points in the second half. Rowan Brumbaugh and Jayden Epps helped Georgetown stay in the game with 44 combined points, including seven assists by Epps. Supreme Cook also posted a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Best games coming up (excluding UConn’s final two games of the season. Check out the previews on these games later this week!)
Providence at Georgetown (7 p.m., FS1)
It’s an ugly game, but this is the rematch for former Providence head coach Ed Cooley as he faces the Friars as the head coach at Georgetown. In their first matchup this season, Providence won 84-76, led by a thrilling 29-point performance by Carter. This is a must-win game for Providence, now coached by Kim English. A loss at Georgetown would likely burst the Friars’ bubble. If they can earn the team’s 19th win of the season tonight, it will set up a massive game for Providence’s résumé as they host No. 2 UConn on Saturday night.
Villanova at Seton Hall (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., FS1)
Both teams have work to do to make cases as an at-large team in the NCAA Tournament. Villanova has gained momentum, winning four of the team’s last five games, including a massive road win at Providence. Seton Hall, led by guard Kadary Richmond, is looking to go into next week’s Big East Tournament as potentially one of the last four teams in the field. It’s a must-win game for both teams, with the result possibly making or breaking their season.
No. 10 Creighton at Villanova (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., FOX)
Creighton could finish the season in second place in the Big East. With the status of Marquette guard Tyler Kolek in the air, it opens the door for Creighton to capture the No. 2 seed in the Big East Tournament. For Villanova, receiving votes in Monday’s AP Poll and winning out would be ideal for their tournament hopes.