There is just one game left before the regular-season finale, and it is looking increasingly likely that Connecticut will claim at least a share of the conference title. Beyond that, St. John’s is still playing for a piece of first place, Creighton is already in the clubhouse, and nearly everyone else is jockeying for tournament seeding.
Even before the postseason begins, one program has already made a major decision. Providence has informed Kim English that he will be fired at the end of the season. Given that this has been a down year for the Big East, more changes could follow.
Here is a look at this week’s Big East power rankings.
1. Connecticut Huskies (27–3)
Previous: 1
Connecticut looked less than dominant against Seton Hall, but that was to be expected. The Huskies did not need the win nearly as much as the Pirates did. Connecticut still got the victory and now holds the inside track toward a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
However, thanks to tiebreakers, the Huskies will only be the No. 2 seed in the Big East tournament unless St. John’s loses its final game.
2. St. John’s Red Storm (24–6)
Previous: 2
The Red Storm took out their frustration on Villanova, then nearly gave back that momentum with a narrow win against Georgetown. St. John’s has a high ceiling but a low floor, which means the Red Storm could do anything from reaching the Final Four to losing on Thursday of the NCAA tournament.
That is a problem for later. For now, the Red Storm can earn the Big East’s top seed by winning at Seton Hall. Lose, and they will be the No. 2 seed.
3. Villanova Wildcats (23–7)
Previous: 3
Villanova has clearly settled in as the No. 3 team in the conference. The Wildcats went 0-4 against Connecticut and St. John’s and 14-1 against everyone else.
It would be a surprise to see Villanova exit before the semifinals of the Big East tournament, but it would also be surprising to see the Wildcats go much further than that. This is a good team, not a great one.
4. Seton Hall Pirates (20–10)
Previous: 4
Seton Hall needed to beat Connecticut to keep realistic at-large hopes alive. That opportunity is now gone. The Pirates likely need to win the Big East tournament to reach the NCAA tournament.
A win over St. John’s would only change the semifinal matchup. It would place the Pirates against Connecticut instead of a rematch with the Red Storm.
5. DePaul Blue Demons (16–14)
Previous: 6
Suddenly, DePaul has figured out how to win on the road. The Blue Demons picked up another road victory by beating Marquette, putting them in position to finish fifth in the conference.
If DePaul beats Butler at home, the Blue Demons will lock up the No. 5 spot. Things could get even more interesting from there since DePaul has already beaten Seton Hall twice.
At worst, the Blue Demons will finish above .500 for the first time since 2019.
6. Marquette Golden Eagles (11–19)
Previous: 9
Losing to DePaul at home was not ideal, but the Golden Eagles responded by crushing Providence on the road. With five wins in their last 11 games, Marquette has at least made a lost season look somewhat respectable.
The Golden Eagles could win a game or two in the Big East tournament if they get the right matchup.
7. Providence Friars (14–16)
Previous: 9
The loss to Marquette was likely the end of the road for Kim English. The Friars had built a three-game surge but followed it with a listless effort in their final home game.
The question now is whether Providence rallies to send English out on a positive note or fades out completely. Based on the Marquette game, the latter feels more likely.
8. Creighton Bluejays (15–16)
Previous: 7
Creighton at least ended the regular season with a win over Butler. The Bluejays have been wildly inconsistent all year, which makes them dangerous in the Big East tournament.
They will likely get a winnable first game, and they have already shown they can beat UConn. Almost any outcome feels possible for Creighton.
9. Butler Bulldogs (15–15)
Previous: 8
Butler has lost eight of its last ten games, with the only victories coming against Xavier and Georgetown. The Bulldogs face a difficult finale against DePaul and likely will not last long in the Big East tournament.
10. Xavier Musketeers (14–16)
Previous: 11
The win over Georgetown snapped a three-game skid for the Musketeers. However, they followed it with a loss to Seton Hall and appear destined for a losing season.
Richard Pitino will need to show progress next year. This fan base is not accustomed to struggling.
11. Georgetown Hoyas (13–17)
Previous: 10
Georgetown has now dropped seven straight games and will finish last in the conference unless it can end that skid.
The Hoyas have lost six of those seven by single digits, so the effort is still there. Unfortunately, the overall talent level just has not been good enough.
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