Butler University’s men’s basketball team, currently positioned fifth in the Big East standings, is riding a wave of confidence as they prepare for a challenging road game against St. John’s. The game is scheduled for January 28 at 7 p.m. and will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, with viewers able to catch the action on Peacock and NBC Sports Network.
The Bulldogs are fueled by a three-game winning streak, a turnaround largely thanks to the outstanding performances from junior guard Finley Bizjack. Currently ranking third in the Big East in scoring average, Bizjack has emerged as a key player for Butler, particularly after a challenging shooting stretch earlier in the season. He made headlines during the Bulldogs’ notable upset against Seton Hall, where he netted an impressive 25 points, and followed that with a total of 52 points combined in games against DePaul and Marquette. His efforts earned him Big East Player of the Week honors for the first time, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s resurgence.
In their earlier clash against St. John’s, Bizjack led Butler with a game-high 21 points, although the Bulldogs came up short in that matchup. The team is hoping for better fortunes this time around as they aim to overcome the Red Storm, who currently sit in second place in the conference with a six-game winning streak.
Under the leadership of renowned head coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s plays a physically demanding style of basketball that has posed challenges for Butler, particularly for their younger players, Stink Robinson and Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor. The Bulldogs will need to tighten their defense and look to control the paint after struggling to do so in their previous encounter.
With their sights set on improving their standing in the Big East and bolstering their chances for a spot in March Madness, Butler is motivated to continue their winning streak and achieve a crucial victory against St. John’s. The upcoming game promises to be an exciting challenge that will be pivotal for both teams as the season progresses.