Rothstein: Xavier visits St. John's at Carnesecca Arena to open Big East Play

The Rick Pitino era of Big East Basketball will begin against the Xavier Musketeers.

According to College Hoops Today's Jon Rothstein, St. John's will host Xavier at Carnesecca arena before visiting the defending national champion UCONN Huskies on December 23rd.

Last season Xavier won both matchups vs the Red Storm, winning 84-79 at Carnesecca and then winning 96-71 at the Cintas Center.

Per Rothstein, Xavier then comes home on 12/23 to his Seton Hall. Xavier won both of those matchups as well against Shaheen Holloway's team, though the rosters will look very different this season.

Jon wasn't finished reporting Xavier news today as he reports sophomore wing Kam Craft will be fully cleared from a knee injury next week for all basketball related activities.