Selection Sunday 2012 Preview: Big East
By Blake Lovell
Selection Sunday is finally here and we are rolling through the conferences to let you know what to expect this evening when the 2012 NCAA tournament bracket is announced.
Let’s take a quick look at what we’ll be seeing from the Big East Conference:
IN
Syracuse– The Orange may have lost in the Big East tournament to Cincinnati, but their 31-2 record is more than good enough for Jim Boeheim’s boys to earn a No. 1 seed. They’ll play in the East Regional, and have the chance to clinch a Final Four berth in Boston, just a short drive from the ‘Cuse.
Marquette– The Eagles bowed out early at Madison Square Garden much like the Orange, but they should be well on their way to a No. 3 seed, as Marquette finished the season at 25-7.
Georgetown– The Hoyas are officially back, and primed to make a run into the sweet sixteen. A double overtime loss to Cincinnati cost the Hoyas at a chance at winning the Big East, but John Thompson III’s squad can already start to dance.
Notre Dame– Before Cincinnati beat Syracuse in the Big East Tournament, the Irish were the only team to beat the Orange. That in itself is worthy of putting the Domers into the Tournament. For more on the Fighting Irish, visit Slap the Sign.
Louisville– Rick Pitino’s Cardinals won the Big East on Saturday night to earn the conference’s automatic bid. The City of Louisville is hosting first round games, but the Cardinals will have to go elsewhere keep their run alive.
Cincinnati– The Bearcats were a lock before the Big East Tournament, but taking out Syracuse and Georgetown should do wonders in terms of seeding. They’ll be a tough draw in the third round for a top seed.
Connecticut– Jim Calhoun and the Huskies won’t be dancing in 2013, and that alone should be enough for the NCAA Selection Committee to pad UConn’s resume. But the Huskies had a losing record in the Big East and lost four games on the bounce in January, which is not what you expect from a team going to the big dance. Blowout losses to Louisville and Syracuse didn’t help either. Because of that, they should be listed as bubble team, but both Joe Lunardi and Jerry Palm agree than UConn gets a free pass and gets dance.
BUBBLE
South Florida– The Bulls beat just one ranked team and are ranked 53rd in RPI. They did however, finish 12-6 in the Big East and beat nearly everyone below them in the standings, and beat Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. They have a very strong argument and should get in as a bubble team.
West Virginia– Much like UConn, the Mountaineers were mediocre in Big East play, finishing 9-9 to be exact. They’re banking on their 12 point victory over Georgetown to be what puts them over the top, and the Bracketology experts all agree that Huggies get in off the bubble. For more on the Mountaineers, visit HailWV.com.
Seton Hall– Oh the Pirates, yet another 8-10 team in the Big East that wants to go dancing. They lost six in a row in Big East play including a blowout loss in Storrs, against UConn. A big win over Georgetown and an 11-1 start might be enough for the Pirates to get into the tournament, but they really don’t belong in the field. Any team that follows up an upset of Georgetown with an overtime loss to Rutgers and a beat down at the hands of the worst team in the Big East, DePaul, doesn’t belong in the field of 68. As of the most recent brackets from Joe Lunardi and Jerry Palm, Seton Hall might need to start their tournament run in Dayton, as one of eight teams in the First Four.
What are your thoughts on the Big East?
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