Big East continues tradition at Madison Square Garden

The Big East Conference extended its agreement with Madison Square Garden to hold its postseason tournament at the venue through 2028.

The deal announced Sunday extends the current partnership by two years and ensures the Big East tournament will be played at Madison Square Garden in the week leading up to Selection Sunday.

The Big East tournament has been played at Madison Square Garden since 1983 and is the longest-running postseason championship at the same location in college basketball.

“Madison Square Garden and the Big East Conference has been the best marriage in college basketball for 36 years,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president of MSG Marquee Events.

The arena also hosted the Big Ten championship last season a week before the Big East tournament.

Virginia

The No. 4 Cavaliers (9-0) outscored VCU (7-3) 19-6 over the final 6:30, a span that saw the Rams whistled for six fouls, as Virginia pulled away for a 57-49 victory.

Nevada

Jordan Caroline had 22 points and No. 6 Nevada (100) used a late run to shake Grand Canyon (5-4) for a 7466 victory in the Colangelo Classic.

Michigan State

Jenna Allen scored 27 points — including her big 3pointer in the final minute — and Michigan State (8-1) handed No. 3 Oregon (7-1) its first loss of the season, 88-82.

Louisville

The No. 5 Cardinals (10-0) appeared to have the game in control with an 18-point lead midway through the third quarter, but Kentucky (9-1) rallied to within four twice in the final 30 seconds before losing, 88-82.

Penn State

Teniya Page put together her fifth 20-plus point effort of the season with a teambest 23 points to lead four Lady Lions in double figures as Penn State (6-4) earned a 80-65 win against St. Bonaventure (3-7).