Big East

Since formulating in the 70’s, the Big East has been known justifiably so as a basketball conference. The recent raid by the ACC not withstanding, the conference actually got stronger in basketball terms adding the likes of Louisville, Cincinnati, Marquette and DePaul. The talk all year has been between the Big East and the Big Ten as to which conference is better. The Big Ten may have a better non-conference record; however it very difficult to argue which league has more power at the top. Many believe half the conference will be invited and it is tough to disagree with that assessment. If this is true, which eight will it be?

Opening Round
 
The opening game features and 8/9 match-up, Syracuse and Cincinnati. If the Big East is going to get 8 bids for the NCAA Tournament then the winner of this game helps themselves immensely by winning this game. Each team crushed the other on its home court. Syracuse closed with three straight losses and four of six, not exactly building momentum for tournament time. Cincinnati is 4-5 since February, with good win over West Virginia and loss to Villanova. Syracuse is 3-5 away and 2-7 ATS off a loss. Bearcats 3-7 away from home, yet have given good accounts of themselves most of the year even in defeat. If the game is close near the end, Cincy makes 76% from the charity stripe, while the Orangemen make 63.8%. These figures represent the best and worst in the Big East.
Advantage-Cincinnati

Notre Dame finally closed out a game with a win over DePaul, giving the Irish the final spot left for the tournament. Notre Dame doesn’t score inside much or create easy baskets. One thing they do well is knock down the three-ball. The Irish led the Big East in 3-point field goal percentage, making 40.1%. Georgetown came back to prominence with a jovial January, posting 7-2 record. The Hoyas retreated back to their up and down form in February and closed the season with embarrassing loss at South Florida. That gives Georgetown three straight road losses. Hoyas 8-8 ATS as favorite this year, with Notre Dame sensational 7-0 as away underdog. If G-Town does not come prepared, upset possible, nonetheless to much inside strength for Hoyas with Notre Dame covering.
Advantage – Georgetown

For Pittsburgh another poor closing to the regular season means mild disappointment for the Panther faithful. One difference is Pitt is playing to talent level after over-achieving most of the year. Louisville is battered, bruised and beaten and nearly upset Connecticut. Pittsburgh state of mind very important here. After trying to secure bye in this tournament, Panthers failed to do so, losing three of last four. With Rick Pitino still working magic and absolutely nothing to lose, the Cardinals are dangerous team. If Louisville had David Padgett and upset would be the right call. Instead Pittsburgh escapes with narrow win but not cover.
Advantage – Pittsburgh

The final game of the opening round is lackluster affair of a couple of non-descript teams. Expect Seton Hall to advance based on need for wins to still make field of 65, with Rutgers only chance winning the Big East Tournament. Fat chance.
Advantage – Seton Hall

Quarter-Finals

Whoever wins 8/9 game loses to Connecticut anyway, who simply has the most talented roster in all of college basketball. Jim Calhoun’s team is 8-2 and 7-3 ATS away from home. Only one team beats the Huskies in New York, UConn itself.
Advantage – Connecticut

Marquette quietly was a major surprise as a new entrant in the Big East. The Golden Eagles were stellar down the stretch winning 4 of 5, losing only at Louisville in OT. Marquette is 3-0 against which ever team they face and could be underdog if it is Georgetown despite higher seeding. Warriors, err, Golden Eagles should prevail with freshman G Dominic James being the difference as the best point guard in the game.
Advantage – Marquette

No Cinderella story this time around for West Virginia. Mountaineers closed 2-4 covering only one. This quarter-final match-up will be the rubber match in the “Backyard Brawl”. Unless West Virginia hits close to 50% from behind the arc, they could be in trouble. Pittsburgh has out-rebounded West Virginia by 29 in the two games. First upset of the tourney.
Advantage – Pittsburgh

Villanova played either opponent back in mid-January and dispatched with both, failing to cover in either situation. The Wildcats did not lose as away favorites and should not be expected to lose here either led by their four stellar guards.
Advantage – Villanova

Semi-Finals

Connecticut may be looking ahead to Villanova; first they have a score to settle with Marquette who handed them flustering first loss at the turn of the New Year. Tom Crean’s team gives game effort for 30 minutes, until the superiority of the Huskies takes over.
Advantage – Connecticut

This should be quite a game, since these teams did not meet in the regular season. Villanova has the speed and tenacity to break down Pittsburgh who is not exactly known for clutch performances. This should be a most interesting and entertaining game, with Villanova proving their mettle to advance.
Advantage – Villanova

Finals

Connecticut put the blueprint together as to how to defeat Coach Jay Wright’s determined team. Use their superior size to muscle the Wildcats over 40 minutes. If Rudy Gay comes to play, Huskies win by 10 points, if not the Huskies by around 5 points.
Big East Champions – Connecticut

Darkhorse – Pittsburgh
Spoiler – Notre Dame
Bubble Teams – Georgetown, Syracuse, Cincinnati

Odds to win Big East (by Sportsbook.com)

Connecticut 10-11
Villanova 2-1
West Virginia 6-1
Marquette 10-1
Field 9-2