Big East to open conference play with New Year's Eve marathon

As we await the full Big East schedule, news has started to trickle out. For the second straight season, conference play with open with a five-game New Year's Eve marathon on Fox Sports 1. Here are the match-ups and tip off times (All times Eastern):

St. John's Red Storm @ Seton Hall Pirates, 12 p.m.

Butler Bulldogs @ Villanova Wildcats, 2:30 p.m.

Marquette Golden Eagles @ DePaul Blue Demons, 5 p.m.

Creighton Bluejays @ Providence Friars, 7:30 p.m.

Georgetown Hoyas @ Xavier Musketeers, 10 p.m.

All games on Fox Sports 1

The two most intriguing match-ups going into this marathon have to be Butler/Villanova and Creighton/Providence. Butler/Villanova is the only match-up that is the same as it was for last year's marathon, except it is at The Pavilion this time around instead of historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Creighton/Providence is a rematch of the Big East Championship from last season.