Ian Jackson, a practicing Muslim, performed well in his Big East Tournament debut against No. 9 Providence, scoring 14 points and three rebounds. This performance came despite fasting during Ramadan. Jackson converted to Islam while in high school. His teammates, Sadiku Ibine Ayo and Imran Suljanovic, also fast during the period. Despite this, coach Rick Pitino joked that Zuby Ejiofor made several mistakes during the game. St. John's has now reached the semifinals of the Big East three consecutive years.