Player of the Week:
Tristen Newton (UConn)
Tristen Newtown has shown a ton of grit and heart for UConn throughout its winning streak. The guard for the nations No. 1 team scored 25 points against Villanova, followed by 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes against Xavier on Sunday. Despite a rough shooting performance against Providence on Wednesday, Newtown scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 38 minutes of playing time. The El Paso, Texas, native is averaging 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists this year, showcasing his all-around skillset. The senior is a scrappy player who makes an immediate impact on the court, and he will be a key piece in the Huskies run through the Big East and NCAA Tournament.
Who’s Hot:
Marquette Golden Eagles
After a shaky start to conference play, Marquette has looked like it started to find its groove as of late. The Golden Eagles have won five games in a row, and have jumped up to second place in the Big East at 7-3 in conference play. On Saturday, Marquette avenged its previous loss to Seton Hall with a dominant 75-57 victory led by 21 points from Oso Ighodaro. On Tuesday, the Golden Eagles pulled off a road victory against Villanova thanks to a career-high 32 points from Tyler Kolek. The team came into the game as a slight underdog, but controlled most of the outing. With just over a month of conference play remaining, Marquette is primed to be a top-dog in the Big East if it continues to play at this level.
Devin Carter (Providence)
Devin Carter has logged exactly 38 minutes in each of his last three games, but that hasn’t affected his play on the court. Carter scored 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting in the victory over Georgetown on Saturday, followed by 20 points and nine rebounds in the loss to UConn on Wednesday. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 18.7 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Friars, often being a key piece for them in each of their games.
Who’s Not
Justin Moore (Villanova)
After deciding to return for his senior year, Justin Moore’s play has taken a dip in 2024. Moore has scored single-digits in seven of his last eight games, including his last three in a row. Despite logging 40 minutes in the double overtime loss to Butler, Moore went 2-for-12 with five points and two turnovers. Against Marquette on Tuesday, Moore scored just six points and took only six shots. The guard has been falling apart just as Villanova has been as of late, and being one of the leaders on the team, he will need to set the tone against Providence on Sunday to snap the losing streak. More is averaging a career-low 10.8 points this season, a mark that will need to be turned around if he wants to be back on the radar of NBA scouts as he has been the previous couple of seasons.
Kyle Neptune (Villanova)
The post-Jay Wright era has been shaky for Kyle Neptune and Villanova. After going 17-17 and losing in the first round of the NIT Tournament last year, the Wildcats sit at 11-10 so far this season. Sitting near the bottom of the Big East standings at 4-6, Villanova is currently on a five-game losing streak. The issue for Neptune and Villanova throughout his short tenure has been consistency. One game the Wildcats appear as if they can compete with the top-teams, and the next they look just as they appear in the standings right now.
Top 5 March Madness Run Predictions
UConn Huskies – Elite Eight
The defending national champions look primed for another deep run in the tournament this year, sitting at the No. 1 team in the country currently. Depending on how the bracket turns out, the issue the Huskies could run into that could halt its Final Four aspirations would be a run-in with Duke, who looks like one of the best teams in the ACC.
Marquette Golden Eagles – Sweet 16
Marquette overall has looked like a top-team in the nation this year, but at times it can appear shaky. If the Golden Eagles have to run into a Hunter Dickinson led Kansas team in the Midwest bracket, their tournament run could end sooner than they hoped.
Creighton Bluejays – Round of 64
If Creighton hangs onto the three seed in the tournament as its projected right now, I could see its season ending quickly. Although they have looked strong for most of the year, the Bluejays have the feel of a team that could run into a higher seed on a hot streak.
St. John’s Red Storm – Round of 32
Currently projected as an eight seed, St. John’s could squeak out of a tight eight versus nine matchup in the round of 64, but it doesn’t appear to have the firepower to take down a No. 1 seed.
Providence Friars – Round of 64
Providence has had an up-and-down season, and if it’s able to make the tournament, it could be a short stay depending on who it matches up against.