The BIG EAST Tournament had themselves a Quarterfinal Day to remember in the Quarterfinal Rounds.
Georgetown closed the day with the second upset in a row defeating Villanova by a final of 78-64 and to start to get fans excited for a sizzling semis.
Those that are going to step into the Hallowed Halls of Madison Square Garden on Friday (today) are going to see four charter members schools facing each other and this is a first, because this is the first time since 1994.
Starting off the sizzing semis is the classic rivalry between No 1 Seed St. John’s and No 4. Seed Seton Hall then to cap off the night fans are going to see if Georgetown can continue the Cindarella story by trying for the third upset in three days against the No. 2 Seeded UConn.
An interesting factoid from the St. John’s PR department is that this is the third consecutive year that the team has made it to the semis and this is the longest stretch since they accomplished the feat in 1998-2000.
Providence getting to see former star Bryce Hopkins finding a new edge under Coach Rick Pitino, scoring a double-double in being a huge part in getting the Red Storm to the next round. Hopkins is playing well overall in the tournament as this is his third double-double in the last seven games and he was able to have 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.
Zuby Ejiofor led all scorers with 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds having five assists and three blocks. Also shining was Oziyah Sellers (14 points), Ian Jackson (14 points) and Dillon Mitchell were able to grab eight rebounds.
In a close one between Seton Hall and Creigton it was the Pirates making the way to the Semis with a 72-61 victory.
Budd Clark and Jacob Dar had a pair of 16-point performances, and the team was able to have four players off the bench that had +/ – better than 10.
UConn had themselves a complete team performance, showing a balanced scoring touch while also being able to limit Xavier’s chances to earn a 93-68 victory in the 7pm portion of the Tournament.
There were three Huskies in double-figure scoring as Solo Ball led the way with his 19 points. Tarris Reed Jr had himself a fine showing with his fourth straight double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Then it was Georgetown and the loyal supporters rocking Madison Square Garden coming through with the second upset in two days against rival Villanova 78-64.
The Georgetown and Villanova game had the best atmosphere of the night with the supporters of both sides getting into the game and the calls that the referees made, and it was the Hoyas once again dancing in the World’s Most Famous Arena.
To show you how balance the Hoya offense was they featured five in double figures and that along with the team’s defense was the key in getting them to be a part of the sizzling Semis showdown.
Leading the way for the Hoyas was Julius Halaifonua with his 21 points to go along with a career-high 10 rebounds.
The stage is now set for Friday (today) as St. John’s faces Seton Hall and Georgetown faces UConn.
For all the updates and to follow along with the BIG EAST Tournament fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
2026 BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournament – Big East Conference