The New York City–area Big East programs are entering the final week of December with momentum, but only one has cracked the national rankings. No. 4 UConn continues to lead the way, riding strong non‑conference wins and a deep, balanced roster. Meanwhile, St. John’s and Seton Hall both earned votes in the latest AP poll but fell short of breaking into the Top 25. Their holiday‑tournament performances and non‑conference resumes were solid, yet not quite enough to push them over the threshold.
As the calendar flips to January, both programs sit on the cusp—close enough that a strong start in Big East play could finally propel them into the national conversation.
Big East Play Heats Up as Conference Season Begins
Now things get interesting. The Big East schedule kicks into full gear during the first week of January, and the stakes immediately skyrocket. Conference play in the Big East is notoriously unforgiving—ranked matchups, rivalry games, and physical battles dominate the slate. For bubble teams like St. John’s and Seton Hall, every game becomes an opportunity to build a tournament résumé.
UConn enters league play as the clear favorite, but the depth of the conference means no team can afford a slow start. Villanova, Creighton, Providence, and Marquette all loom as potential spoilers, making the Big East one of the most competitive leagues in the country.
Arizona and Michigan Lead the National Picture Heading Into League Play
Nationally, Arizona remains No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the third straight week, but Michigan is closing the gap fast. The Wildcats earned 38 first‑place votes, while the Wolverines picked up 19, four more than last week, pulling within just 20 total points.
Arizona (11‑0) strengthened its résumé with a dominant 68–45 win over San Diego State and a 92–62 rout of Abilene Christian. The Wildcats have now won six straight games by at least 20 points, their longest such streak since the 1942–43 season.
Michigan (11‑0) continues to overwhelm opponents as well, including a 102–50 blowout of LaSalle, marking their fifth 100‑point performance in six games.
Big East Teams Eye March as Conference Battles Begin
As Big East play intensifies, the focus shifts toward March. UConn aims to solidify its top‑five status, while St. John’s and Seton Hall look to convert early‑season flashes into sustained success. With conference play offering Quad 1 opportunities almost weekly, the path to the NCAA Tournament is wide open.
If the Big East delivers the chaos it’s known for, expect major movement in the AP poll—and several teams to strengthen their cases for the Big Dance.
