He was helped by backcourt mate Khadeen Carrington, a fellow sophomore who finished with 14 points, but was limited due to foul trouble.

Riley Norris stepped up with 18 points off the bench against Louisiana and fellow sophomore Justin Coleman is averaging nine points and five assists.

Ponds improved his scoring average to 19 points and fellow sophomore Marcus LoVett pushed his to 15.6 after scoring 18 against Oregon State.

Fellow sophomore Jaren Lewis had eight points and 12 rebounds.

Fellow sophomore Jalen Lindsey, who ranks fourth, is 6-of-23 from the floor in Big East action.

Fellow sophomores Kevin Huerter (11.5 points) and Justin Jackson (9.5, 10 rebounds) have picked up where they left off after strong freshman campaigns.

Fellow sophomore Cassius Winston piled up 17 points, five rebounds and five assists from the backcourt for the Spartans (29-3), the tournament's top seed.