INDIANAPOLIS – When the so-called Catholic 7 broke away from its football-playing brethren in 2013, it sought to bring in private schools whose flagship sport was basketball. It would be no exaggeration to assert Xavier, Butler and Creighton not only saved the Big East, but kept it relevant.
If Butler had beaten Seton Hall on Saturday, the three new Midwest members would have been tied for first place at 3-1. Even without that talking point, Xavier, Butler and Creighton have elevated the Big East. This is the fourth season in a row in which the Big East has ranked among the top three leagues.