CINCINNATI (Interstat) — Two of the Big East’s hottest teams will meet Saturday when the surging Saint John’s Red Storm visit the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center.

Saint John’s (14-5, 6-1 Big East) has won six of its last seven games, including a 65-60 home victory over Seton Hall on Tuesday. The Red Storm’s only conference loss came against Providence on Jan. 3. They have since posted impressive road wins at Villanova, Creighton and Butler.

Xavier (11-8, 4-4) has found its stride after a tough start to league play, winning three of its last four. The Musketeers are coming off a heartbreaking 94-93 loss at Creighton on Wednesday. Prior to that, they secured convincing home wins over Butler and Providence.

The matchup features two of the league’s standout performers. Saint John’s is led by guard Dillon Mitchell, who is averaging 12.4 points over his last five games. He scored 17 points in 35 minutes against Seton Hall.

Xavier will counter with forward Tre Carroll, who has been on a scoring tear. Carroll is averaging 24.3 points over his last three contests, including a 29-point performance in the narrow loss at Creighton. He also recorded a 29-point, 5-block game against Butler on Jan. 14.

Defense has keyed the Red Storm’s run, holding opponents to an average of 68.7 points during their six recent wins. Xavier’s offense, fueled by Carroll and guard Filip Borovicanin, who had 16 points and 9 assists against Creighton, will test that unit.

The Musketeers will look to protect their home court, where they are 9-2 this season. Saint John’s has proven capable on the road, boasting a 5-2 record away from home.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will play again at Saint John’s on Feb. 9.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Cincinnati.