Billy Vinci (@HardHoops)

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The Big East started out strong this year, with a record of 28-2 between the ten teams. Creighton had the biggest win, defeating 18th ranked Oklahoma, 65-63. Marquette is the only team with losses, having a record of 1-2. One of those losses was expected, as it was against Ohio State. The other, however, was a loss to Nebraska Omaha at home. The Golden Eagles are off to a much rougher start than they originally hoped. Here’s the Big East’s week in review:

Providence Friars

Season: 5-0 Last Week: 5-0

Providence had a very busy week, starting out the season with five games, and five wins. The last three of those games were part of the Hall of Fame Tip Off at Mohegan Sun, and they concluded that tournament with a win against Notre Dame. LaDontae Henton leads the way so far, averaging 23.4 ppg. Tyler Harris is also playing a huge role so far, averaging 13.6 ppg, and 5.4 rpg.

Creighton BlueJays

Season: 4-0 Last Week: 4-0

Creighton opened up the season with two wins against Central Arkansas, and Chicago State. After those two blowout wins, they went on to face 18th ranked Oklahoma at home. The Bluejays went out and upset the Sooners 65-63. Isaiah Zierden leads the team with 16.3 ppg, while center Will Artino is averaging 11.5 ppg. Artino is also tied for the team lead in rebounds with Devin Brooks, by averaging 6.8 rpg.

Butler Bulldogs

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

Butler started off this season with games against three weak teams. They included matchups with Maine, Chattanooga, and Loyola Maryland. They will soon be challenged, as there next game is against 6th ranked North Carolina. Member of the preseason Big East team, Kellen Dunham, leads Butler in scoring with 22.0 ppg early on. Kameron Woods is dominating the boards against these weaker opponents, averaging 11.00 rpg, and is sure to be challenged this week against UNC.

Georgetown Hoyas

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

Georgetown began this with three games, and three wins against weaker teams in division one. The Hoyas first real test will come Wednesday, against currently 8th ranked Florida in the Battle 4 Atlantis. In those first three games, Josh Smith is leading the way with 17.3 ppg, while shooting a fantastic 68% from the field, and also averaging 8.3 rpg. Preseason Big East player of the year, D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera is averaging 4.3 apg, and 1.0 spg, but also giving up the ball 1.7 times a game against weaker opponents.

St. John’s Red Storm

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

The Red Storm opened up with three wins, but also with two losses. They didn’t lose any games, but Keith Thomas and Adonis De La Rosa were both declared ineligible by the NCAA. They played three weaker teams, and the losses of Thomas and De La Rosa won’t really be felt until there Wednesday game with Minnesota, and there December 6th matchup at Syracuse. D’Angelo Harrison came out of the gate very strong, averaging a double-double with 18.3 ppg, and 10.3 rpg, leading the team in both categories.

Villanova Wildcats

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

Villanova has played three weaker teams, but have had to work hard to win, in not just one, but for 36 minutes in the other, A win is a win, however, and the Wildcats are 3-0 none the less. After a difficult sophomore season, Dylan Ennis is beginning this season averaging 15.0 ppg. Point guard Ryan Arcidiacono is scoring 12.0 ppg, and leading the team with 3.7 apg. Daniel Ochefu is looking for this year to be his breakout year, and so far, he’s averaging 9.3 rpg.

Xavier Musketeers

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

Xavier is the 5th Big East team with a record of 3-0. Their best win is defeating Stephen F. Austin, 81-63 at home. The Lumberjacks won a game in the NCAA tournament last year, and are looking to go back this year. Big East preseason first team member, Matt Stainbrook, is showing he deserves that accolade. He is currently averaging 16.3 ppg, and leading the team, with 7.3 rpg. Trevon Bluiett is leading the team in scoring with 18.0 ppg.

Seton Hall Pirates

Season: 3-0 Last Week: 3-0

Seton Hall rounds out the Big East teams at 3-0. They have one quality win, defeating Nevada in the Paradise Jam preseason tournament 68-60. Sterling Gibbs is living up to his high expectations, leading the team by averaging 16.0 ppg, 4.3 apg, and 2.0 spg. Angel Delgado is also impressing, averaging 10.5 rpg, and 1.5 bpg.

DePaul Blue Demons

Season: 2-0 Last Week: 2-0

DePaul started off this season strong, even though they haven’t faced that strong of competition. They have defeated UIC, and Drake, both at home. Not surprisingly, Billy Garrett Jr. is leading DePaul with 13.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, and 1.5 spg. He is getting a lot of help from Bobby Mobley, who is averaging 12.0 ppg, and 5.3 rpg.

Marquette Golden Eagles

Season: 1-2 Last Week: 1-2

Marquette is the only Big East team to lose in the opening week, with losses to 20th ranked Ohio State, and Omaha. The Ohio State loss could have been foreseen, but the Omaha one was much more surprising. Juan Anderson is one of the lone bright spots for the Golden Eagles, leading the team in scoring and rebounds, and second on the team in assists. He is averaging 15.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 3.7 apg.