:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48745087/usa-today-8346580.0.jpg)
The Butler Bulldogs and St. John's Red Storm tip off at 4:30 ET and both squads have received a much-needed reprieve.
Butler guard Tyler Lewis and St. John's forward Yankuba Sima have each been okayed by their respective programs and will both play in this afternoon's contest in New York. Such news has been confirmed by both programs on Saturday afternoon:
Tyler Lewis is dressed and will play today at St. John's. He has missed the last four games due to a concussion.
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) February 6, 2016
Freshman center Yankuba Sima will suit up today versus Butler. Sima missed the last 7 games due to injury. #SJUBB pic.twitter.com/FQi58YyyS8
— St. John's BBall (@StJohnsBBall) February 6, 2016
This is terrific news for both squads to say the least. Though Lewis has been somewhat inconsistent in BIG EAST play, when he's on as he's proved this year he is a pivotal player for the Bulldogs and gives Chris Holtmann some much needed depth in his rotation of guards.
Sima, meanwhile, is one of St. John's' premier defenders down low and had shown tremendous flashes while in the lineup. With the development of Kassoum Yakwe, having both Yakwe and Sima back in the lineup should continue to help the Red Storm at protecting the rim. The Johnnies are the top shot blocking team in the country, after all.
No word on if either will start yet but stay tuned to the BECB Twitter feed to find that info out.