Big East basketball power rankings shake up as top teams lose stunners

The league has seen its struggles continue through the first month of the season

Nov 22, 2024; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Steven Ashworth (1) is helped off the court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha
Nov 22, 2024; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Steven Ashworth (1) is helped off the court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
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3. Xavier Musketeers (5-0)

Winning should be rewarded and that is exactly what Xavier has done this season.

Granted, it's only significant challenge through the first three weeks of the year was a home game against Wake Forest but will face similar competition at the Fort Myers Tip-Off when playing South Carolina on Monday and either Michigan or Virginia Tech on Tuesday.

A matchup between the Musketeers and Wolverines could be a fun game and a barometer for where both teams are at this point in the season.

4. Creighton Bluejays (4-1)

A stunner to most people that Creigton was run off its home floor on Friday night against rival Nebraska. The Bluejays never led in the contest while the Cornhuskers build a cushion as large as 18 points before winning by 11, 74-63.

The bigger concern for Greg McDermott's team is that his star guard, Steven Ashworth, had to be helped off the floor with 4:31 remaining. It initially looked bad but McDermott told reporters that it's just an ankle sprain for the fifth-year senior.

There is never a good time for an injury, and Creighton is hoping Ashworth can return as soon as possible, but this has the potential to be a very difficult week with San Diego State, Texas A&M, and another matchup with a power conference school coming in the Players Era Invitational in Las Vegas.

Then, Creighton will play No. 1 Kansas, UNLV, and No. 8 Alabama before league play begins.