Big E has been in several Royal Rumble matches throughout his time in WWE, but has yet to win the match. At present, E is currently out of action with a neck injury he suffered in 2022, and has yet to be cleared for a return to the ring.
Matt Hardy Gives His Prediction For The 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match
While speaking to Indy Sports Daily in an interview at the Boys And Girls Club event in Indianapolis for Rumble week, Big E was asked about his favorite Royal Rumble memories.
“Oh man the Rumble’s such a special event for so many different people. When I was cool with my old partners, I just think we had a lot of fun. There was one Kofi save where we had a basket toss. He landed on a pile of pancakes, and Woods was a cheerleader in grade school, and he taught me how to basket toss. So we basket tossed Kofi up in the air. That’s one of those things where if you mess it up live, it’s like, all right, it’s done. But to be able to be a part of one of Kofi’s saves was really cool. So that’s one of my fonder memories too. But no, the Rumble is just, it’s really cool because I think when I talk to friends and fans and people close to my orbit, so many of them are so excited. So many of the people I know, this is their favorite PLE, and they’re so excited. So the first thing, I got in yesterday, and I saw some European fans here. They’re so excited. I met this dude from Australia who flew 20 hours to be here for this. There’s so much excitement for the Royal Rumble.”
Elsewhere in the same interview, Big E was asked if it was hard for him to remain positive all the time. You can read more about that here.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit and link to the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
In a recent interview with WWE, Big E revealed his favorite Royal Rumble memory and it’s one that will surely bring a smile to fans’ faces. The powerhouse wrestler shared that his favorite Royal Rumble memory was when he got to eliminate Brock Lesnar from the 2020 Royal Rumble match.
Big E described the moment as one of the highlights of his career, as he was able to showcase his strength and skill against one of the most dominant wrestlers in WWE history. The crowd erupted in cheers as Big E sent Lesnar flying over the top rope, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Fans have been buzzing about this epic moment ever since, and it’s clear that Big E’s favorite Royal Rumble memory will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in the event’s storied history. Here’s to many more unforgettable moments from Big E in future Royal Rumble matches!
Big E. recently reflected on a moment with his former New Day brothers Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston at the 2018 WWE Royal Rumble. E. spoke with Indy Sports Daily and looked back at the moment where he used a plate of pancakes to help save Kingston from being eliminated.
“The Rumble’s such a special event for so many different people,” E. said (per Wrestling Inc). “When I was cool with my old partners, we had a lot of fun.”
He continued, “There was one Kofi save where we had a basket toss, he landed on a pile of pancakes. Woods was a cheerleader in grade school, and he taught me how to basket toss, so we basket tossed Kofi up in the air. That’s one of those things where if you mess it up live, it’s like ‘Alright, it’s done,’ but to be able to be a part of one of Kofi’s saves was really cool. That’s one of my fond memories.”
Big E Reflects on Kofi Kingston’s Epic Pancake Save at 2018 Royal Rumble
In a recent interview, Big E took a trip down memory lane to revisit one of the most iconic moments in Royal Rumble history – Kofi Kingston’s pancake save at the 2018 event.
As fans will remember, Kofi found himself on the brink of elimination during the match, but instead of being thrown over the top rope, he miraculously landed on a stack of pancakes that had been strategically placed by The New Day at ringside. This incredible feat not only saved Kofi from elimination but also solidified his reputation as the master of innovative Rumble saves.
Big E, who was ringside for the memorable moment, reminisced about the excitement and energy in the arena as Kofi defied the odds and pulled off the pancake save. He praised his teammate for his quick thinking and creativity, noting that it was moments like these that made wrestling truly special.
The pancake save has since become a highlight reel staple and a testament to Kofi’s agility, athleticism, and showmanship. It’s a moment that fans continue to talk about and one that will surely be remembered for years to come.
As The New Day continues to entertain audiences around the world, fans can look back on this unforgettable Royal Rumble moment with fondness and appreciation for the magic that Kofi Kingston brought to the ring that night.
This year’s premium live event will emanate from the city of Indianapolis. It was in Philadelphia, though, that Big E remembers sharing an exhilarating moment with his former New Day brethren during the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
“The Rumble’s such a special event for so many different people. When I was cool with my old partners, we had a lot of fun,” Big E told “Indy Sports Daily.” “There was one Kofi save where we had a basket toss, he landed on a pile of pancakes. Woods was a cheerleader in grade school, and he taught me how to basket toss, so we basket tossed Kofi up in the air. That’s one of those things where if you mess it up live, it’s like ‘Alright, it’s done,’ but to be able to be a part of one of Kofi’s saves was really cool. That’s one of my fond memories.”
The spot in reference occurred moments after Jinder Mahal eliminated Woods and Big E from the competition. When Mahal tried to throw Kingston over the top rope as well, one of his feet touched the floor. The other was caught by Woods, then placed on top of a plate of pancakes introduced by Big E. From there, Mahal attempted to block Kingston from reentering the ring. To circumvent this, Woods and Big E subsequently launched Kingston over Mahal’s head like “a pogo stick,” as commentator Michael Cole described it.
Kingston’s return to action was brief, as Andrade eliminated him shortly thereafter. The former WWE Champion did manage to remove Mahal from the match within that same time frame, however.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit“Indy Sports Daily”with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
WWE’s Big E recently took a trip down memory lane and shared a heartwarming story from his time as a member of the popular wrestling trio, The New Day. In a recent interview, Big E recalled a particularly special Royal Rumble moment that he shared with his former New Day teammates, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
Big E reminisced about the 2019 Royal Rumble, where all three members of The New Day entered the match together. The trio’s entrance was met with thunderous applause from the crowd, who showed their unwavering support for the beloved group. Big E described the moment as “surreal” and “magical,” as he and his teammates stood side by side in the ring, ready to take on whatever challenges came their way.
The bond between Big E, Kofi, and Xavier was evident in that moment, as they worked together seamlessly to outwit their opponents and put on a show-stopping performance for the fans. Big E expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating that it was a memory he would always hold dear.
As The New Day has since disbanded and each member has gone on to pursue solo careers in WWE, this Royal Rumble moment serves as a reminder of the incredible chemistry and camaraderie that the trio shared during their time together. Fans of The New Day can look back on this fond memory with a smile, knowing that the bond between Big E, Kofi, and Xavier will always be unbreakable.
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WWE, Big E, Royal Rumble, New Day, fond memory, wrestling, WWE superstars, tag team, professional wrestling, WWE Royal Rumble, wrestling memories, wrestling teammates
It wasn’t the game of the night, but Northwestern’s 79-72 loss to a Dylan Harper-less Rutgers team was certainly the statement of the night.
Unfortunately for Chris Collins and his Wildcat bunch, the statement was: Northwestern is going to bow out of contention for the NCAA Tournament and maybe even the Big Ten Tournament.
A reminder for folks, the bottom three in the conference will no longer be allowed entrance into the end of the year chance to dance tournament that will take place this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. I think we can all agree that that’s exactly where that tournament is supposed to take place, and while Minnesota is nice and all, the midwest deserves its post season basketball.
Anywho, this directly leads to the major award for the night.
The Ace Bailey, are you kidding me, he scored how many, award of the night:
Ace Bailey, who damn near tied his already impressive freshman scoring record of 39, was everything for Rutgers on his way to scoring 37 points and was everything his soon to be NBA Draft pedigree will say he is. Bailey was 5 of 8 from three, 8 of 12 from inside the arc, and even knocked down all six of his free throws and added in three blocks while turning the ball over just once in 35 minutes.
Bailey is starting to come into his own, and the only shame in Piscataway is that it hasn’t happened while fellow freshman Dylan Harper was healthy enough to join him on the floor. Harper was ruled out before the game after hobbling and struggling off the bench in Rutgers last game. The lower leg injury has hampered Harper for weeks at this point.
It’s been a disappointing journey for coach Steve Pikiell this season as the Scarlet Knights have struggled to defend anyone. But Rutgers does still have a chance to make the Big Ten Tournament and if Harper gets healthy and can join this form of Ace Bailey, there’s not going to be many Big Ten teams lining up to face the Scarlet Knights in a win or go home scenario.
The Derik Queen is not human, this isn’t fair, real game of the night award goes to:
Don’t look now, but the Maryland Terrapins are turning into quite the little team.
Maryland took down Wisconsin, 76-68, behind a 12 points, 12 rebound double-double by freshmen Derik Queen game and a banked in, you have to be kidding me three-pointer by Ja’Kobi Gillespie.
It was a team effort though as Maryland hounded Wisconsin defensively, forcing the Badgers to shoot under 40% from the field and just 9 of 27 from three while five Terrapins scored in double-digits.
Maryland has now won four straight games including away wins at Indiana and Illinois and has won six of its last seven games. It’s now 17-5 on the season and holds at four losses in conference play with one of the more managable closing schedules in the conference.
But for every triumph there is sadness.
We regret to inform you that the Wisconsin Badgers are no longer vying for the B10 title.
Wisconsin now moves to 6-4 in conference play with three of those being road losses. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in Wisconsin’s profile, it has lost to a game Michigan team, a juggernaut Marquette team on the road, and to Illinois, UCLA, and now Maryland on the road.
Unfortunately, Wisconsin still has to go to East Lansing and Mackey Arena. Five wins is not going to win the Big Ten this season, so even if it goes 1-1 in the hardest to win environments in the conference, the Badgers chances for the conference title are now over.
Official pour one outs to Northwestern and Wisconsin
So overall, a sad night for the Big Ten, as a cellar dwellar emerges, but a contender falls out of the race and a Northwestern team full of spunk hangs on the rim and falls straight on its face at home.
What do we have going on tomorrow night?
Ohio State at Penn State | 6:30 pm FS1
#18 Illinois at Nebraska | 8:30 pm FS1
#16 Oregon at UCLA | 10:30 pm FS1
Now we’re talking. A triple-header on the Fox Sports One channel that features three games that should all be competive, good, and important for the Big Ten conference.
One of the west coast teams will eliminate themselves from contention in the conference, Illinois will attempt to stop an absolute landslide, and Ohio State will try to add to its metric darling status against a desperate Penn State team that’s probably already past saving.
Game of tomorrow:
Let’s throw it out west where two four loss in conference play teams, Oregon and UCLA, battle it out to stay the last of the west coast teams able to stay within four games of Michigan State. Viewing warning: this might, almost definitely will be, an absolute rock fight.
Thanks for reading, and come back tomorrow where we’ll have a whole slew of late night Big Ten basketball to talk about.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Northwestern University has been eliminated from the Big Ten tournament late at night. Despite a valiant effort, the Wildcats fell short in a close game, bringing an end to their postseason hopes.
The Big Ten tournament has been full of surprises and upsets, with every game proving to be a battle until the very end. Northwestern’s loss serves as a reminder of the fierce competition within the conference, as even the top teams can be taken down on any given night.
As the tournament continues, fans can expect more intense matchups and thrilling moments as teams fight for a chance to advance. While Northwestern may be out, their resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed, and they will surely be back stronger next season.
Stay tuned for more updates and results from the Big Ten tournament as the remaining teams battle it out for a shot at the championship title.
In today’s digital age, the amount of data being generated and collected is growing at an unprecedented rate. This surge in data, commonly referred to as “big data,” presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. On one hand, big data provides valuable insights that can help companies make more informed decisions and better understand their customers. On the other hand, managing and analyzing large volumes of data can be a daunting task.
One solution to harnessing the power of big data is through cloud computing. Cloud computing allows businesses to store and analyze their data on remote servers accessed over the internet, rather than on physical servers located on-site. This approach offers several advantages when it comes to managing big data.
First and foremost, cloud computing provides scalability and flexibility. As the amount of data grows, businesses can easily scale their cloud storage and computing resources to accommodate their needs. This means that companies can avoid the costly and time-consuming process of purchasing and maintaining additional hardware. In addition, cloud computing offers the flexibility to access data and analytics tools from anywhere, at any time, making it easier for employees to collaborate and make decisions based on real-time data.
Another key benefit of using cloud computing for big data is cost-effectiveness. With a pay-as-you-go model, businesses only pay for the resources they use, rather than investing in expensive infrastructure upfront. This can lead to significant cost savings, especially for smaller companies with limited budgets.
Furthermore, cloud computing can improve data security and compliance. Cloud service providers often have robust security measures in place to protect data from cyber threats. Additionally, many cloud providers offer compliance certifications and tools to help businesses adhere to industry regulations and standards.
Overall, unlocking the power of big data with cloud computing can help businesses gain a competitive edge in today’s data-driven world. By leveraging the scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security of cloud computing, organizations can effectively manage and analyze their data to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and ultimately, achieve business success.
Post Malone, the Grammy-nominated singer, has teamed up with Vault Comics for an exciting new project—a horror graphic novel called ‘Big Rig,’ described as a thrilling mix of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ set in medieval Europe.
‘Big Rig’ is based on an idea by Post Malone himself, with the singer co-writing the story alongside Vault Comics’ editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden, known for his work on’ Barbaric,’ is illustrating the novel.
The story is set during the Dark Ages and follows an epic battle against demon hordes invading Europe. The story’s central characters are a secret sect of the Knights Templar called the Six Petals, who are struggling to defend against the demons.
In their desperate attempt to fight back, the Six Petals discover a strange, powerful weapon: a fully loaded tractor trailer, called ‘The Rig,’ which crashes to Earth. The twist? The…
Post Malone is known for his unique style and creativity, and his latest project is no exception. The rapper-turned-artist has announced the release of a graphic novel titled ‘Big Rig’, which combines elements of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max’ in a medieval horror adventure.
The story follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where they must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with monsters, mutants, and other dangers. The protagonist, Big Rig, is a badass warrior who drives a massive, armored truck that serves as both his home and his weapon.
The graphic novel is filled with stunning artwork and intense action sequences, making it a thrilling and immersive read for fans of the horror and post-apocalyptic genres. And to make things even more exciting, a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is already in the works, with Post Malone himself set to star in the lead role.
Fans of Post Malone and fans of graphic novels alike are sure to be excited about this new project, which promises to be a wild and unforgettable ride. Keep an eye out for ‘Big Rig’ hitting shelves soon, and get ready for a new kind of horror adventure unlike anything you’ve seen before.
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Post Malone, Big Rig, graphic novel, Evil Dead, Mad Max, medieval horror adventure, movie adaptation, horror genre, dark fantasy, apocalyptic world, action-packed, supernatural elements, post-apocalyptic setting, cult classic, graphic novel adaptation, horror film, fantasy adventure, movie adaptation, thrilling journey, pop culture references, iconic imagery, unique storytelling, graphic novel series, visual storytelling, horror fantasy blend.
Post Malone has teamed up with Vault Comics for Big Rig, a horror graphic novel described as Evil Deadmeets Mad Max: Fury Road in medieval Europe.
Variety reports that Platinum Dunes, the production banner run by Michael Bay and Brad Fuller, is working with Malone and Vault on to develop a feature adaptation.
Based on an idea by Malone, Big Rig is co-written by the Grammy-nominated singer and Vault editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden (Barbaric) illustrates.
Set during the Dark Ages, the story sees demon hordes invading Europe. The Six Petals, a secret sect of the Knights Templar, are in desperate need of a means to drive back the scourge. What crashes to earth is The Rig, a fully loaded tractor trailer.
In the aftermath of its arrival, the only man left standing is an enigmatic former priest excommunicated from the Six Petals. He will become Trucker and lead the fight against Hell behind the wheel of a demon-slaying machine.
The first chapter will be available exclusively at comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day 2025 on May 3.
“This is going to kick ass,” Malone said in a statement. “It’s amazing working with Vault and Michael Bay. Turning this idea into what we have has been unbelievable. The team has been crushing it, and I can’t believe we get to be a part of Free Comic Book Day.”
Vault has previously worked on comics with such musical acts as Metallica, Def Leppard, and Fall Out Boy‘s Pete Wentz.
Platinum Dunes gained attention for their remakes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. They’ve since produced the likes of A Quiet Place, The Purge, and the upcoming Drop.
Get ready for the ultimate crossover event of a lifetime as the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max: Fury Road collide in Post Malone’s upcoming graphic novel and movie, ‘Big Rig.’
In this thrilling new project, Post Malone plays the role of a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, armed with his trusty chainsaw and shotgun as he battles against hordes of evil forces. Along the way, he encounters a group of fierce warrior women led by the iconic character, Furiosa, from the Mad Max universe.
The graphic novel, written by Post Malone himself, will feature stunning artwork that brings the action-packed story to life. Fans can expect a gripping narrative filled with intense battles, heart-pounding chase scenes, and unexpected twists and turns.
And that’s not all – a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is currently in development, with Post Malone set to reprise his role as the fearless protagonist. The film promises to be a visual spectacle, with high-octane action sequences and jaw-dropping special effects that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride with ‘Big Rig,’ where the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max collide in an epic crossover experience like never before. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
After 10 league games, Creighton has played everyone else in the league once and has an 8-2 record. Their first rematch comes on Saturday in Philadelphia against Villanova, who has also played everyone once and owns a 5-5 mark. The Wildcats are 4-1 at home, including a 68-66 win over UConn; conversely, they’re 1-4 on the road.
It’s the start of a brutal five-game stretch for the Bluejays, where they’ll play at Villanova, Providence and St. John’s, with home games against Marquette and UConn sandwiched in the middle — all in the span of 15 days. If they come out of that with three or more wins, they’ll not only cement themselves as threats to win the Big East regular season title, but likely move up a seed line or two in NCAA Tournament projections. And the final five games of the regular season include home games against Butler and DePaul, plus a Georgetown team they’ll be ready to exact revenge on. Oh, and a road game at last-place Seton Hall is sitting out there, too.
That makes the next two weeks the pivot point for the season.
“This stretch is difficult,” Greg McDermott said on his postgame radio show after Wednesday’s game. “The good news is, you know, Villanova is relatively simple in what they do. Doesn’t mean it’s easy to stop — it’s very difficult to stop with Eric Dixon running around. So we’re gonna have to be locked into our plan. We shot the ball really well and were able to create some threes against them the first time, and we’re gonna have to duplicate that if we expect to be successful.”
Ah yes, Eric Dixon. He’s the one puzzle Ryan Kalkbrenner has never been able to solve, the best version of the exact type of player who gives them the most trouble: a mobile big man who’s comfortable shooting midrange jumpers and threes. On December 21 when these teams met in Omaha — Kalkbrenner’s ninth game against Dixon — Creighton decided to try something new. They stuck the 6’8” Jasen Green on him instead, hoping Green’s quickness and athleticism would be better suited for chasing Dixon off the line. And if it worked, it would free up Kalkbrenner to stay home near the rim and keep other Wildcats from getting easy shots.
He scored 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three. No one could call that a success and be taken seriously. But keeping Kalkbrenner inside did help them make everyone else’s jobs harder. Here’s the shot chart from that game; Villanova had some success at the rim, and almost no success from anywhere else in the paint. The rest of their two-pointers were mid-range jumpers. McDermott’s comments after the game made the same observations.
“I thought Jasen made Eric Dixon’s life really hard and we shortened the bench a little bit tonight for that reason. We wanted Jasen on him as much as possible,” McDermott said on his postgame radio show that night. “But you have to stay connected to Dixon. He’s gotten so good at reading. If you switch and you’re on top, he’ll roll to the basket. If you’re under, he’s going to post you, and now you’ve got a smaller guy on him, and he backs him in. We were staying attached to him, but as a result, the other guys hit some mid-range stuff.”
Dixon is averaging 24.6 points per game and is the nation’s leading scorer. He’s scored 183 points in nine all-time meetings against the Jays (that’s 20.3 points per game), scoring 30 or more twice. He’s scored 20 points or more in each of his last six meetings against Creighton, the longest streak by any Bluejay opponent since Evansville’s Colt Ryan did it in five straight meetings from 2010-12. Ryan is also the only opponent since 1996-97 to score more points against the Jays than Dixon has; Ryan scored 201 in a maddening career where he torched CU time after time. Dixon has made 25-of-50 three-pointers (.500) in his career against CU, 11 more makes than what he’s done against any other school.
In league games, four of the Wildcats five starters have averaged in double figures: Dixon (23.4 ppg), Jordan Longino (14.9 ppg), Wooga Poplar (13.7 ppg) and Jhamir Brickus (10.3 ppg). That quartet has scored 623 of Nova’s 742 Big East points (84%). They’ve also shouldered the heaviest load in minutes with Dixon and Longino averaging 35.7 and 35.0 minutes per game, while Poplar checks in at 30.7 mpg and Brickus is at 30.3 mpg.
But after getting out to a 4-1 start (with the only loss coming to Creighton) they’ve gone 1-4 since. They shot 50 percent or better from the field in three of its first four league games, but they’ve been held below 43.3% in all six games since. And 43 of their 90 turnovers in league games have come in the last four contests.
Poplar is shooting 38% from three-point range and averaging 13.6 points with a team-best 6.5 rebounds per game. He scored 19 in Omaha on 7-of-12 shooting, but did most of his damage inside with four made shots inside the restricted area. Poplar also had 10 of Villanova’s 28 rebounds.
Brickus added 16 points in that game, making 7-of-13 from the floor and 2-of-3 from three. He scored 10 points in the game’s first eight minutes, including a pair of threes, while Steven Ashworth was his primary defender. At the under-12 timeout the Jays shifted Jamiya Neal onto him, and shut his water off as Brickus scored just six more points the rest of the day. That bears watching in the rematch — will they start Neal on him this time? Or go back to Ashworth as his primary defender so that Neal can try to shut down Poplar? For the season, Brickus is averaging 11.0 points and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 49.4% (42-of-85) from three-point range and 50% overall (87-of-174).
Longino was the one player CU managed to hold in check in the first meeting. He scored nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, including 1-of-5 from three. He’s averaging 11.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, and shooting 35.9% from three (33-of-92). But he’s coming off a 27 point, seven assist game against Marquette, and over the last seven games he’s averaging 15.9 ppg. Longino is 40-of-78 from the field in that span (.513), including 16-of-33 (.485) from beyond the 3-point arc.
Defensively, Villanova doesn’t force a lot of turnovers (15.5% of opponent’s possessions, 296th in D1). That bared out in the first meeting, as CU had just seven turnovers, a season low at the time (they later equaled it at Butler). They also don’t do much to disrupt passing lanes; their opponents have had an assist on 60.4% of made baskets, 336th in D1. Creighton tied a season-high with 22 assists, and with an assist on 70.9% of their made baskets it’s their best mark of the year so far. That ball movement paid off — their 14 made three-pointers were a season high at the time (since equaled against Providence), and their 56.0% shooting percentage from three is their best of the year.
Their adjusted defensive efficiency ranks 181st at 107.2. Opponents have generally had success in the paint, shooting 48.6% on two-pointers thanks to a lack of real rim protection or the threat of a shot blocker to alter shots. But their pace is still vintage Villanova — their average possession length is over 19 seconds long, and their adjusted tempo is just 63.2 (346th slowest in D1).
Tip: 12:00pm Venue: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
TV: FOX Announcers: Tim Brando and Donny Marshall In Omaha: Cox channel 10 (SD), 1010 (HD); CenturyLink Prism channel 42 (SD), 1042 (HD); DirecTV 42; Dish Network 42 or 5203 Outside Omaha: Your local FOX affiliate Streaming Fox Sports app and website
Radio: 1620AM, 101.9FM Announcer: John Bishop Streaming on 1620TheZone.com and the 1620 The Zone mobile app Simulcast on SiriusXM channel 386 as well as on the SiriusXM App
In the first meeting, Villanova got just eight points from players outside of their big four (Dixon, Poplar, Brickus and Longino).
Only four Villanova players have averaged 20 points or more in a regular season since Tom Ingelsby averaged 25.5 points per game in 1972-73. Kerry Kittles did it in 1994-95 (21.4 ppg) and 1995-96 (20.4 ppg), Michael Bradley hit that mark in 2000-01 (20.8 ppg) and Randy Foye averaged 20.5 ppg in 2005-06. Dixon is currently averaging 24.6 points.
VU is 10-2 this season (.833) and 27-7 (.794) since the start of 2023-24 when holding teams to fewer than 70 points in a game. The Wildcats are 2-7 (.286) in 2024-25 when teams score 70 or more in a contest and 3-18 (.143) in that spot in the last two seasons.
Isaac Traudt has scored in double-figures in four of his last five games. His four gams in double-figures as a reserve during league play are tied for the Big East lead this season. Traudt and Jackson McAndrew, who typically share the minutes at the “4” for Creighton, have averaged a combined 14.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 39.0 minutes per contest during CU’s six-game win streak.
In league play this season, Creighton leads the league with 10.00 three-pointers per game and is second with 37.9 percent marksmanship from deep. Villanova is second with 9.50 three-pointers per game, while the Wildcats are tops with 39.4 percent accuracy from downtown. The first time these teams met this season, Creighton made 14-of-25 trifectas (56 percent), while Villanova was 8-for-20 (40 percent). Defensively, Creighton has allowed a league-low 64 three-pointers in BIG EAST play, but Villanova’s 96 allowed are second-most.
Creighton has established a season-high by winning six games in a row, and can grow that total with a seventh straight win on Saturday. Creighton has now had at least one streak of five or more wins (including non-conference games) in 26 of the last 28 seasons (including 2024-25).
Villanova leads the all-time series with Creighton, 19-10, including an 11-3 mark in Pennsylvania. But CU is 3-2 inside Wells Fargo Center against the Wildcats, and that’s where Saturday’s game will take place.
On February 1, 2012 the 12th ranked Bluejays thumped Illinois State 102-74 to move to 21-2 and 11-1 in the Valley. From Ott’s Thoughts after the game:
“Things started well for Creighton Wednesday, and only got better as the night wore on. Grant Gibbs reached deep into his bag of playground hoops tricks, threw the ball of a defender’s turned back on an inbounds play, and laid the loose ball up for Creighton’s second hoop of the night. The evening ended with Ross Ferrarini hitting back-to-back triples to hit the century mark and fellow Bench Mob member Matt Dorwart knocking down two free throws to push CU’s total to 102 points. In between, the Bluejays treated fans to arguably the best offensive performance in recent program history.
Hyperbole? Hardly. It wasn’t just shooting 56% from the field, 52% from three-point range, and 84% from the free throw line. It was passing up good shots for great ones. It was the effectiveness of almost every lineup combination Greg McDermott put on the court. It was his son, Doug, having a monster game (again), while guards Gibbs and Antoine Young (7 assists apiece) facilitated an efficient offensive machine.
The Bluejays assisted on 22 of 31 made baskets, while committing just 9 turnovers. Led by McDermott’s 25 points (on 9-11 shooting, including a perfect 3-3 from three-point range), six CU players hit double-figures in points. Gibbs added 12 points to his 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Gregory Echenique played only 17 minutes put scored 10 points and grabbed 6 boards. Jahenns Manigat shook off some tenderness in his knee and knocked down 3 of his 4 three-pointers en route to 11 points. Josh Jones scored 10 points off the bench, and Will Artino scored 11 points without missing a shot from the field (3-3) or the charity stripe (5-5).”
The Bottom Line:
Saturday’s game is basically a toss-up; KenPom predicts a one-point Villanova win with 48% odds of victory, while ESPN’s BPI gives Creighton a slight edge with 50.6% odds of winning. There was no Vegas line at the time we hit publish.
Creighton 76, Villanova 72
Are you ready for some intense Big East basketball action? The Creighton Bluejays are gearing up to take on the Villanova Wildcats in a highly anticipated matchup as they begin the second half of conference play.
Creighton has been on a roll lately, boasting a 5-2 record in Big East play and sitting comfortably near the top of the standings. Led by standout players like Marcus Zegarowski and Damien Jefferson, the Bluejays have shown their ability to compete with the best teams in the conference.
On the other hand, Villanova is always a tough opponent, currently sitting at the top of the Big East standings with an impressive 7-1 record. The Wildcats are known for their strong defense and efficient offense, making them a formidable force on the court.
As Creighton heads into Villanova’s home turf, they will need to bring their A-game in order to come out on top. This game is sure to be a thrilling battle between two top teams in the conference, so be sure to tune in and support the Bluejays as they look to make a statement in the second half of Big East play. Let’s go Bluejays! #CreightonBasketball #BigEast #GoJays
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The Democrats are a party controlled by elites, liberals and special interest groups. They are out of touch with America’s middle class. They are personified by a president who let inflation get the better of him and world events spin out of his control. As a result, the Democrats lost the White House as well as control of the Senate.
I’m talking about the 1980 election and its aftermath. But if politics back then has a familiar ring, it also has lessons for Democrats today, as they are in dire need of fresh vision and leadership. The election of a new party chair on Saturday is just the beginning of their reinvention process.
The Democratic Party is now in worse shape than at any other time since 1980. Joe Biden’s policy mistakes — making inflation worse and making the border less secure — and the lack of trust in Democrats who circled the wagons around him in 2024 have done damage that the party does not yet seem to fully grasp. The party is paying the price for failing to develop and allow generational change in leadership; the Clintons and the Obama-Biden administrations have dominated for more than 30 years. At the same time, Democrats have too often been focused on whom they are against rather than what they are for. Especially for the past 10 years, the Democrats’ primary mission was defeating Donald Trump rather than articulating a coherent and appealing vision for the future.
“Coherent and appealing” are difficult goals, of course, when you are a federation of special interests — such as abortion rights, the environment, social justice, gun control, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and a pro-labor agenda — more than an inspiring and forward-looking political party.
In 2020, Democrats’ fears about Bernie Sanders pushed these groups to coalesce around Mr. Biden’s candidacy, which was made all the more palatable because he positioned himself as a transition candidate. But Mr. Biden proved to be a challenging figure in electoral politics: He had no political base of his own, and he governed by trying to placate those various special interest groups — and yet their priorities were not aligned with what was most important to many voters. I cannot remember a single instance when President Biden took on any element of the Democratic Party in the interest of the greater good. This was not a presidency that reflected the mood and needs of the country; the sum of his presidency was less than its parts.
To regain power, Democrats would do well by first grappling with the best strategies for a minority party. As was the case when Ronald Reagan took office after 1980, the Democrats do not control their own destiny. At any given time, there are really only 1.5 political parties in America. Whoever holds the White House is the governing party, with the opposition essentially, at best, only able to affect policymaking at the margins.
With that in mind, Democrats need to start making a compelling argument that President Trump and Republicans are failing at governing. Democrats need to do this in a way that reflects the mood of the country and cannot repeat the mistakes of Kamala Harris’s campaign, like focusing on joy during a time when anger and economic frustration dominated voter sentiment. With Republicans now in full control of the federal government, Democrats are well positioned to be the party of change, a narrative that finally broke the Reagan-Bush 12-year hold on the presidency in 1992.
Then, as now, the strongest message for Democrats is centered on economic security and opportunity. With Mr. Trump and Republicans focused on tax cuts for the rich and corporations, it should be easy to make contrasts with his agenda on a regular basis. His blundered attempt to freeze federal money in ways that might affect popular programs, like Medicaid and Head Start, is an example of a prime opportunity to brand the G.O.P. as failing dangerously at governing.
At the same time, Democrats need to neutralize issues of public safety and disorder that were central to Mr. Trump’s victory. That requires dealing with the immigration crisis in our country. Democrats don’t need to support every draconian measure that Mr. Trump puts into place. However, they need to establish their bona fides and make a credible case that they support secure borders in our country.
Establishing these bona fides — and ultimately driving any successful narrative on the economy and public order — depends on the quality, vision and trustworthiness of the party’s presidential nominees. Do they “get it,” in the eyes of voters? Do they believe in and even personify change? Do voters feel they can count on a given leader to do what they want? Mr. Trump bested Mr. Biden and then Ms. Harris on these fronts.
Bill Clinton’s candidacy and victory in 1992 offer valuable lessons for Democrats on the type of candidate who most likely succeeds in taking on Republicans. Mr. Clinton was not part of the ruling class of the party in Washington. His upbringing and his time as governor in a Southern state gave him an understanding of the country. Most important, he had a clear narrative about what he would do and change as president and where he wanted to lead the country. He also avoided choosing between being a liberal or being a moderate and getting mired in divisive social issues that were not essential to most Americans.
A key part of the foundation for Mr. Clinton’s victory came from Senate Democrats. At the end of the summer in 1991, President George H.W. Bush had a 74 percent job approval. But after Labor Day, Democrats organized a near-daily pounding of Mr. Bush’s policies on the Senate floor, with a consistent message that he was out of touch with the struggles of America’s middle class. This narrative helped Democrats pick up the Pennsylvania Senate seat in a special election that November. These efforts were so successful that by the beginning of 1992, Mr. Bush’s job approval had dropped to 46 percent.
The Democratic National Committee and its chairman also played a role. Under Ron Brown’s leadership in the run-up to the 1992 elections, the D.N.C. focused on creating a climate of the party “doing no harm” to Mr. Clinton. For the previous decade, the party label had been an anchor on Democratic candidates running for president. Mr. Brown was able to push the activist wing to focus more on winning rather than trying to push litmus tests on the candidates — something for the party to keep in mind as it gathers to elect a new D.N.C. leader.
Now, for the first time since Barack Obama’s ascent in 2008, there will be a wide-open opportunity for Democratic candidates to demonstrate that they, too, have the right stuff to run the country. Not many people thought that Mr. Clinton and Mr. Obama had what it took when they announced their candidacies for president. Rather than declaring their fitness for office, they proved during their campaigns the capacity to lead. And the Democrats have a deep bench of elected officials, particularly at the state and local levels, who will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to take on the Republicans.
The 2026 congressional midterm elections can play a key role in better positioning the eventual nominee for the 2028 election. The party in power generally suffers losses in the midterms. While it is unlikely that Democrats will be able to take control of the Senate, they are well positioned to take back the House. There are also 38 governor’s races in the next two years, which gives Democrats a tremendous opportunity to reset the party going into the next presidential election.
And if Democrats can address their vision, trust and leadership problems — a tall order, to be sure — their chances of retaking the White House in 2028 are more favorable than those they faced in the 1980s.
Mr. Trump won the recent election by one of the narrowest margins of the popular vote since 1900. He had no coattails, as evidenced by Republican losses in the House and the fact that they won only one of the five tossup Senate races in the seven battleground states that Mr. Trump carried. Given how unpopular the Biden administration was on Election Day, a more normal Republican candidate should have swept his party to victory in races across the country, as Mr. Reagan did in 1980.
Mr. Trump starts his presidency with only 47 percent of the country giving him a positive rating. Current polling shows that a majority of Americans do not support some of his most radical proposals. He is misreading how big a mandate the voters gave him in the election and is widely overreaching with his executive orders and policy proposals. And Republicans start out not only with a historically narrow margin of control in Congress but also with a track record of demonstrating during the last Congress that they were incapable of governing.
In this environment, Mr. Trump and the Republicans have set a high bar for themselves on how they are going to improve the economy. At the same time they also claim that they will cut trillions of dollars from the federal budget. Under Mr. Trump, the G.O.P. has become a working-class party, and its base is full of people who will be hardest hit by cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which now constitute almost half of all federal spending.
All of this points to a favorable opportunity for Democrats to regain power if they can learn the lessons that followed the 1980 election. Jimmy Carter was president for only four years, but because of Republican tactics, he defined what it meant to be a Democrat for 16 years. It was only when Mr. Clinton was elected president that the party was able to move past the Carter years.
The same will hold true for the Democrats, with Mr. Biden defining what it means to be a Democrat until the party retakes the White House — whenever that happens. History offers Democrats a blueprint for retaking power. The question is whether they will follow it.
Doug Sosnik was a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 2000 and has also advised governors and U.S. senators.
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As President Trump approaches the end of his first term, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is already failing in many key areas. This failure is not only detrimental to his own chances of reelection, but it also presents a significant opportunity for the Democratic Party to make a big rebound in the upcoming election.
One of the most glaring failures of the Trump administration is its mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. From downplaying the severity of the virus to spreading misinformation about potential treatments, Trump’s response to the crisis has been chaotic and ineffective. As a result, the United States has seen a staggering number of cases and deaths, and the economy has been plunged into a deep recession.
Additionally, Trump’s divisive rhetoric and inflammatory behavior have further polarized the country and alienated many voters. His lack of leadership and failure to unite Americans in a time of crisis have eroded his support among key demographics, including suburban women and independent voters.
The Democratic Party has a real opportunity to capitalize on Trump’s failures and present a compelling alternative to voters in the upcoming election. By offering a coherent and effective response to the pandemic, promoting policies that address the economic fallout, and uniting Americans around a message of unity and progress, Democrats can appeal to a broad coalition of voters and secure a decisive victory in November.
In conclusion, Trump’s failure as a leader is the key to a big Democratic rebound in the upcoming election. By presenting a clear and compelling alternative to his chaotic and divisive administration, Democrats have a real opportunity to win back the White House and set the country on a path towards recovery and renewal.
Craig Melvin has had quite an eventful couple of weeks, which has seen him step up as the main co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, following Hoda Kotb‘s departure on January 10.
And while Craig is very much settled into his new gig, Hoda is never far from his thoughts – so much so, that he ended up making a bit of a blunder on Friday’s show!
The popular TV anchor was introducing the Fourth Hour at the end of the Third Hour, telling viewers: “Stay tuned for Today with Hoda & Jenna…” before correcting himself.
Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Craig Melvin gives an unexpected house tour
“Oops, force of habit, Jenna and Friends,” he added.
Jenna Bush Hager has been co-hosting the last segment of Today with new co-anchors each week.
Craig Melvin made a slip-up when introducing Jenna Bush Hager’s segment of Today
These have included some very famous faces, including Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johanason. It was announced shortly after Hoda made the decision to leave Today that Jenna wouldn’t be getting a permanent new co-host, but instead a rotating guest list of famous faces.
Jenna said of Hoda leaving soon after the news broke: “I am so proud of her,” she said. “Although, I will say I walk around even here, and people are like, ‘Congratulations, Hoda!’ And I feel like the girl that just got dumped.
“And people are like, ‘You made the best choice, Hoda!’ And I’m like, ‘Did she? Did she make the best choice?’”
She also joked that she was going to start showing up at her door like a stalker. “I will be there on your doorstep, and we are your friends forever,” she added.
And while Hoda is very much enjoying her new quieter pace of life since leaving her early mornings behind, she has made sure to still regularly see her old co-stars.
Just last week, she was reunited with Savannah and Jenna, along with Third Hour’s Dylan Dreyer Weekend Today co-host Willie Geist, while attending Willie’s first ever Sunday Sitdown Live in Manhattan.
Hoda Kotb recently reunited with her Today Show co-stars in Manhattan
Willie hosts popular podcast Sunday Sitdown and his co-stars were all there to support him during his first live show, held at City Winery.
After photos were posted online of Hoda and her co-stars together again, many fans were quick to react to Hoda’s return to the Today Show family. “So nice to see Hoda with them!” one wrote, while another commented: “Miss Hoda!” A third added: “Everyone loves a Hoda moment!”
Hoda had taken the opportunity to enjoy lunch with Savannah and Jenna while in the city too, and posted a selfie of the three of them together while sitting down at a restaurant.
“Love Wednesdays!! @savannahguthrie @jennabhager. Also remember when you had that big goodbye party and now I am like…… HIIIIIIIIIIII!” she wrote in the caption.
Craig Melvin, the beloved Today show anchor, found himself in a bit of hot water recently after making a hilarious on-air blunder involving his former co-star Hoda Kotb.
During a live segment, Melvin accidentally referred to Kotb as his co-host, even though she left the show months ago to pursue other opportunities. The slip-up left both Melvin and Kotb in stitches, as they reminisced about their time together on the show.
Melvin later took to social media to apologize for the mistake, writing, “Oops! Old habits die hard. Sorry, @hodakotb, I miss having you by my side every morning! #workfamily.”
Fans of the show were quick to forgive Melvin, with many praising his chemistry with Kotb and expressing their excitement for the future of the show.
As Melvin gets used to the big changes at work, it’s clear that his sense of humor and charm will continue to shine through, making him a fan favorite for years to come.
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