#big_east

At 73, Rick Pitino is pulling off another masterpiece in a career full of them St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino has once again etched his name into college basketball history, leading his team to an unprecedented double title in the Big East. The Johnnies became the first program to win consecutive regular-season championships and Big East Tournament titles, a feat that has drawn comparisons to the league’s storied past. This achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that had previously struggled, cementing Pitino’s reputation as a masterful coach capable of transforming programs. The Red Storm’s success this season was underscored by a dramatic upset over UConn, a team that had previously dominated them by a 32-point margin just two weeks earlier. The 75-52 victory was a testament to Pitino’s ability to rebuild and elevate his teams, a trait that has defined his career. From revitalizing Providence to guiding Kentucky to a national championship after NCAA sanctions to leading Louisville to a Big East double-double, Pitino has consistently delivered results. His work at St. John’s, however, stands out as one of his most significant accomplishments. Pitino’s approach is as rigorous as it is demanding. He is known for his exacting standards, often using a wireless microphone during practices to ensure his critiques are heard. His coaching philosophy emphasizes character and discipline, traits that have been central to St. John’s resurgence. Steve Masiello, Pitino’s associate head coach, described the program as a “masterpiece” under Pitino’s guidance. Masiello, who has worked with Pitino for over a decade, noted the coach’s relentless drive to push his players and staff to their limits. The 2025-26 season marked a pivotal rebuild for St. John’s, with eight new players joining the roster.#big_east #rick_pitino #st_john_s #zuby_ejiofor #steve_masiello

Butler Basketball Coach Thad Matta Announces Retirement Thad Matta, the head coach of the Butler University Bulldogs, has announced his retirement from collegiate coaching after more than two decades of leading Division I programs. The decision comes after Matta completed his fourth season in his second stint as Butler’s head coach, marking the end of a storied career that spanned multiple schools and levels of competition. Matta will remain affiliated with the university as a special assistant to the president and athletic director, continuing to support the institution in a new capacity. In a statement, Matta reflected on his decision, stating, “After taking some time to reflect following the end of the season, I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the sidelines.” He emphasized his deep connection to Butler, noting that his family’s love for the university brought him back to the program four years ago. “Butler has always meant more to us than just basketball,” he said, adding that his commitment to the school and its future remains unwavering. Matta expressed excitement about the program’s continued growth and its potential to compete at the highest levels of the Big East and nationally. Matta’s career record stands at 502 wins and 223 losses, with 13 appearances in the NCAA tournament. His tenure at Butler, which includes two separate stints as head coach, was highlighted by a 24-8 season in 2000-01 and a second-round NCAA tournament run. Before returning to Butler, Matta built a reputation as one of the most consistent coaches in college basketball during his time at Xavier and Ohio State. At Xavier, he led the Musketeers to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2004.#big_east #butler_bulldogs #thad_matta #grant_leiendecker #butler_university

Kim English’s Coaching Tenure at Providence Ends Amid Struggles and High Expectations Kim English’s arrival at Providence College in 2023 came at a time of immense pressure. The Friars were reeling from the departure of head coach Ed Cooley, who left for Georgetown just as Providence seemed to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. Cooley’s exit, coupled with the perception that he had prioritized his own career over the program, left fans in Rhode Island deeply disillusioned. The team had won the Big East regular season title in 2022 and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in 25 years, but the abrupt departure of a coach who had led them to that point created a vacuum of trust and stability. English, a 34-year-old with just two years of head coaching experience at George Mason, inherited a program steeped in frustration and high expectations. The challenges he faced were compounded by the evolving college basketball landscape. Over the past three years, the sport had undergone rapid changes, including the expansion of the transfer portal and the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Providence’s roster was constantly in flux, with high-profile hires like Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley reshaping the Big East. English, who had never coached at the NCAA Division I level, was thrust into a competitive environment where rebuilding and adapting were constant demands. The fanbase, already wary of Cooley’s departure, was skeptical of his ability to navigate the program’s turbulent state. English’s first season at Providence was a modest success. The Friars secured 21 wins, reached the Big East Tournament semifinals, and developed key players like Devin Carter and Josh Oduro.#big_east #kim_english #providence_college #ed_cooley #georgetown

Braylon Mullins NBA Mock Draft Projection: Where UConn Star Is Expected to Land As March Madness continues, college basketball stars are positioning themselves for potential NBA careers, with the 2026 draft set for late June. In the latest mock draft from USA TODAY, UConn guard Braylon Mullins is projected to be selected in the first round, with his expected pick falling at No. 20 overall to the Charlotte Hornets. The projection is based on Tankathon’s lottery analysis, which outlines the likely draft order for the upcoming class. Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American, faced early-season challenges after missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury. However, he has since returned to action for the Huskies and demonstrated his value as a versatile player. His ability to operate as an off-ball threat makes him an attractive prospect for NBA teams seeking a player who can contribute immediately. The Big East All-Freshman wing has shown significant improvement, particularly in his role as a starting guard. Since moving into the starting lineup, Mullins has maintained a 37.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, highlighting his potential as a three-point shooter. The Hornets’ projected draft picks for 2026 include selections at No. 13, No. 20 (via Phoenix), and No. 42 (via Golden State). These picks reflect the team’s current lottery position and their potential trade assets. Mullins’ inclusion in the first-round projection underscores his status as a top-tier prospect, despite his injury setback. His combination of shooting ability, playmaking skills, and defensive versatility positions him as a valuable asset for any NBA team looking to bolster their roster. Mullins’ statistical performance as of March 15 further supports his draft stock. He averages 3.5 rebounds per game, 1.#big_east #uconn #charlotte_hornets #tankathon #braylon_mullins

St. John's NCAA Tournament Schedule and First-Round Matchup The 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 19, with 16 first-round games spread across the country. St. John's, seeded No. 5 in the East Region, will face No. 12 Northern Iowa in their opening matchup. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 20, and will be streamed via the NCAA March Madness Live app or Fubo. St. John's enters the tournament as a strong contender after securing a second consecutive Big East title. The Red Storm dominated the conference championship, defeating UConn 72-52 at Madison Square Garden last Saturday. However, their 2025 tournament run ended early with a second-round upset loss to Arkansas. This year, the team aims to build on their recent success and advance further in the postseason. The first-round schedule features a mix of high-profile matchups and underdog battles. Notable games include No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena, No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 16 Howard, and No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Kennesaw State. Odds for St. John's game against Northern Iowa, as of March 19, show them as slight favorites with a spread of -9.5 points. The over/under total is set at 131.5 points, while the moneyline odds favor St. John's at -550, with Northern Iowa listed at +400. Other first-round games include No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 TCU, No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 13 Troy, and No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 11 South Florida. Streaming options for these matchups vary, with platforms like Sling TV and Fubo offering live coverage. The tournament’s opening day will set the stage for a thrilling March Madness season, with teams from all regions vying for a spot in the Sweet 16.#madison_square_garden #big_east #ncaa_tournament #st_johns #northern_uniowa

Villanova Wildcats Chosen as March Madness Underdog Despite Early Tournament Challenges Villanova is being positioned as a strong underdog in the NCAA tournament despite facing Utah State in a matchup that has them slightly favored at Kalshi. The Wildcats are being considered an 8 seed rather than a 9 seed, following the success of two 9 seeds—St. Louis and TCU—who advanced in the opening round. Analysts argue that while 9 seeds have shown promise, they are unlikely to dominate every game, making Villanova’s inclusion as an 8 seed a logical choice based on historical trends. Villanova’s non-conference record of 9-2 has drawn attention, particularly the losses to ranked teams BYU and Michigan, both of which were in the top 10 at the time. In contrast, Utah State’s 28-6 season included victories over VCU and Davidson on neutral courts, though they also suffered losses to South Florida, Grand Canyon, UNLV, Nevada, and San Diego State. Despite their strong overall record and Mountain West championship, the Wildcats are seen as a better matchup against Utah State, with confidence in their ability to rebound from a tough loss to Georgetown in the Big East tournament. The Wildcats’ losses this season have largely come against high-caliber opponents, including four combined games against UConn and St. John’s. While the absence of Matt Hodge is a setback, Villanova’s guard play and experience in tight, neutral-floor games are viewed as key assets. The team’s ability to perform under pressure in the second half is highlighted as a critical factor in their potential success against Utah State.#big_east #kalshi #utah_state #villanova_wildcats #mountain_west

Creighton Women’s Tennis Falls to Xavier in BIG EAST Match, 4-0 Creighton University’s women’s tennis team suffered a 4-0 defeat to Xavier in a BIG EAST conference match on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. The loss extended the Bluejays’ overall record to 10-4 and dropped their conference standing to 2-2 in the league. Xavier, meanwhile, improved to 6-7 overall and claimed their first conference victory of the season. Xavier secured the doubles point with wins at the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles positions. The Bluejays lost both their doubles matches, falling 6-2 on the top court and 6-2 on the No. 3 court, giving Xavier an early 1-0 lead. In singles play, Xavier dominated, winning on the No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 courts to clinch the match. Madeleine Rexroat of Xavier secured the first point with a 6-2 victory on the No. 2 singles court, while Creighton’s Mithila Dixit was forced to retire due to an injury. Ella DeFord followed with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Annika Elvestrom on the No. 4 singles court, and Clara Owen sealed the victory for Xavier with a 6-4, 6-3 win on the No. 5 singles court. Head coach Tom Lilly acknowledged Xavier’s strength, stating, “Xavier showed why they are the five-time defending champs of our league. We had our moments but just not enough at the right times. We will hope to get good news on Mithila’s injury early next week.” The Bluejays’ next match is part of their spring break trip to Florida, where they will face Calvin University and East Texas Baptist University in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. CT on Thursday. Doubles results included Xavier’s Emily Flowers and Natalie Smitek defeating Annika Elvestrom and Alem Cote of Creighton, 6-2. The No.#big_east #orlando_florida #xavier #creighton_university #usta_national_campus

2026 Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, Schedule, and Viewing Guide The 2026 Big East women’s basketball tournament is set to begin this week, with the top-seeded Connecticut Huskies poised to dominate the competition. UConn, which finished the regular season with a perfect 31-0 record, will face a daunting path to the championship, but their dominance this season makes them the clear favorite. The Huskies’ 47-game winning streak, the longest in NCAA women’s basketball history, and their average margin of victory—over 37 points per game—underscore their overwhelming strength. Only two previous UConn teams had a higher average win margin, highlighting the program’s unparalleled dominance. The tournament will be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, with games broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN. Villanova, the No. 2 seed, will be the Huskies’ most formidable early-round challenge, having lost to UConn by a combined 63 points in their two regular-season matchups. However, the Wildcats’ 16-4 conference record ensures they will be a tough opponent in the quarterfinals. Other notable teams include No. 3 Seton Hall, which advanced to the quarterfinals after a thrilling overtime victory over St. John’s, and No. 5 Creighton, which defeated Marquette in a close matchup. The tournament schedule kicks off on Friday, March 6, with the first-round games. UConn quickly advanced to the quarterfinals, crushing No. 8 Georgetown by 45 points. Villanova also moved on after a 8-point win over Providence, while Seton Hall edged out St. John’s in a low-scoring contest. The semifinals will feature UConn against Creighton on Sunday, March 8, followed by a matchup between Villanova and the winner of the earlier semifinal.#big_east #peacock #mohegan_sun_arena #connecticut_huskies #nbc_sn

UConn men's basketball team aims for Big East regular-season title: 'First part of three goals' The fourth-ranked UConn men’s basketball team is on the verge of securing its record 12th Big East regular-season championship, with a decisive victory over Marquette set for Saturday at Fiserv Forum. A win would break a tie with Georgetown for the most titles in league history, as the Huskies currently share the lead with the Hoyas. The game, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX, represents the first step toward achieving a trio of goals outlined by the team, including a Big East tournament title and a national championship. UConn, ranked No. 4 in the nation, enters the matchup with a 17-2 record in conference play and a 27-3 overall mark. The Huskies’ pursuit of the regular-season title is complicated by the league standings, as they could share the crown with St. John’s if both teams win their final regular-season games. However, a UConn victory would secure at least a share of the title, with the possibility of an outright win if St. John’s loses to Seton Hall on Friday night. The outcome of Saturday’s game will also determine the Huskies’ seeding in the upcoming Big East tournament, where they could claim the top or second seed depending on results. Senior forward Alex Karaban, the only current player to have won two national championships, emphasized the difficulty of winning the regular-season title. “It’s extremely hard to do,” he said. “This is a championship we’ve been working for since mid-December. It’s super-impressive because teams get hot, teams get cold, teams go through injury spurts. Really, it’s who’s the toughest team, the most resilient. Winning the regular-season championship is really hard to do, and I think it’s really impressive to win.#big_east #dan_hurley #uconn #marquette #alex_karaban

Marquette vs UConn: MU's defense looks sharp early The Marquette men’s basketball team faces Connecticut in a crucial matchup on Saturday, March 7, at Fiserv Forum. The Golden Eagles, with a record of 11-19 overall and 6-13 in the Big East, aim to build momentum as they prepare for the NCAA tournament. Connecticut, ranked 27-3 overall and 17-2 in the league, is in position to secure a regular-season co-championship title, potentially matching St. John’s for the honor. Marquette’s defense showed promise early in the game, holding Connecticut scoreless for nearly five minutes. The Golden Eagles recorded six consecutive stops, leading to a 7-0 run that gave them a 14-11 lead. While the Huskies’ offense eventually found its rhythm, Marquette’s ability to disrupt the rhythm of a top-tier team highlights potential improvements in their defensive strategy. The Golden Eagles’ probable starting lineup includes guards Nigel James Jr., Adrien Stevens, and Chase Ross, along with forwards Ben Gold and Royce Parham. Despite recent struggles, the team has made strides from earlier in the season, though they face an uphill battle against a Huskies squad with national championship aspirations. The game is set for a 11:30 a.m. Central Time start, with coverage on Fox (Channel 6 in Milwaukee). Play-by-play announcer Tim Brando and analyst Donny Marshall will provide commentary. Betting odds from BetMGM show UConn as a strong favorite, with the Huskies favored by 9.5 points and a moneyline of -475, while Marquette is listed at +350. Looking ahead, Marquette’s schedule includes the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11. The team’s recent performance, including a 62-51 loss to DePaul on March 1, underscores the challenges they face as they seek to close the gap against elite competition.#fiserv_forum #big_east #marquette #uconn #shaka_smart

UConn men’s basketball team eyes regular-season title in showdown against Marquette The UConn men’s basketball team is set to face Marquette in a crucial regular-season finale at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, with a win securing at least a share of the Big East regular-season championship. The Huskies, currently ranked No. 4 in the league, enter the game with a 27-3 overall record and a 17-2 conference mark, while Marquette holds a 11-19 record and 6-13 Big East slate. The matchup, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, will determine whether UConn retains its position in the tournament seeding or faces challenges from the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s performance in recent weeks has complicated UConn’s path to the tournament’s No. 7 seed. The Golden Eagles, who previously lost five straight games, defeated Providence by 22 points in a dominant showing, showcasing their potential to climb the standings. Coach Dan Hurley acknowledged Marquette’s improved play, calling them a “scary team” capable of upsetting even top-tier opponents. “They’re dangerous,” Hurley said. “It’s a tough game, it’s a scary game. But then I think they’re a scary team for people in New York (in the Big East Tournament), too.” For UConn, the game carries significant weight beyond the standings. A victory would mark the program’s 12th regular-season title, surpassing Villanova’s previous record and breaking a seven-year tie. The Huskies, however, have faced challenges in maintaining their dominance. In their previous matchup at Gampel Pavilion in early January, UConn held Marquette to 32.2% shooting and led by as many as 23 points, but the Golden Eagles have since improved. Solo Ball, a key player for UConn, emphasized the importance of the game. “This game that we’re going into right now is a championship.#uconn_men_basketball #marquette_men_basketball #fiserv_forum #big_east #dan_hurley