New Big East basketball program threatening to be contender in wide open league

There is still a lot to write about the conference as a new calendar year approaches

Dec 22, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA;  Georgetown Hoyas head coach Ed Cooley at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Ed Cooley at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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9. Butler Bulldogs (7-6, 0-2 Big East)

The wheels have come off the Butler bus in a hurry after five straight losses following its impressive Thanksgiving effort in Arizona with wins over Northwestern and Mississippi State.

The ‘Dawgs showed fight during the second half against UConn, trying to rally from a double-digit deficit but could not make enough plays inside the final three minutes to land the upset win on its home floor as the schedule only gets more difficult in the next few weeks.

Wednesday is a must win at home against Villanova.  

THIS WEEK: vs. Villanova (Wednesday) and at. St. John’s (Saturday)

10. DePaul Blue Demons (9-4, 0-2 Big East)

You want to believe in DePaul badly, but it is going to take time for Chris Holtmann to get things on the right path in Chicago.

As expected, it’s gaudy 7-0 record was more of a product of its competition rather than its still, losing six of its next eight games. The Blue Demons can certainly knock someone off on any given night this season, which hadn’t been the case in previous years, but it will be a while before DePaul is talked about with other teams at the top of the conference.

THIS WEEK: vs. UConn (Wednesday) and at. Villanova (Saturday)

11. Seton Hall Pirates (5-8, 0-2 Big East)

The best attribute Seton Hall has is that they are fighters.

They will play a full 40-minutes every time they step out on the floor but it’s sometimes too much of a talent gap to overcome.

Its defensive style will let the Pirates hang around in games and potentially force comebacks, like during the second half against Georgetown, but will there be enough offense close games out in the final minute?

THIS WEEK: at. Xavier (Tuesday)