By: Tennie Sumague, Eagle News Service, New York Bureau
New York, New York – The Big East Conference quarterfinals kicked off Thursday at Madison Square Garden in its 35th year where the top eight seeds were in action.
In the first quarterfinal game, top seed and defending NCAA champion Villanova crushed St John’s 108-67. Freshman guard Donte DiVincenzo led the Wildcats with a season high 25 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench. Five players scored in double figures for the second ranked national team including star player Kris Jenkins with 24 points as the team shot 63.2 percent from the field. Next up in the semifinals for the Wildcats will be the 5th seeded Seton Hall who defeated 4th seeded Marquette 82-76.
In the evening session, seventh seed Xavier upset second seed Butler 62-57 to advance to the semifinals. With the game tied at 57, Trevon Bluiett hit a tough foul line jumper with 16 seconds left to seal the victory. Bluiett ended the night with 23 points to keep the Musketeers hopes alive for an NCAA tournament berth.
Xavier will play their semifinal game against sixth seeded Creighton Blue Jays who snapped Providence’s six game winning streak with a 70-58 victory behind Khyhri Thomas 19 points over the third seeded Friars.
The Big East Conference Tournament Semifinals will continue Friday evening at Madison Square Garden.