Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: Looking back on the 2016-2017 season

By Lukas Harkins

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA;Xavier Musketeers forward Kaiser Gates (22) and guard Trevon Bluiett (5) celebrates as they beat the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA;Xavier Musketeers forward Kaiser Gates (22) and guard Trevon Bluiett (5) celebrates as they beat the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Providence Friars forward Kalif Young (13) and guard Jalen Lindsey (21) celebrate following the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Providence won 79-78. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Providence Friars forward Kalif Young (13) and guard Jalen Lindsey (21) celebrate following the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Providence won 79-78. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Marquette Golden Eagles

Record: 19-13 (10-8 Big East)

Postseason: 10 seed, Round of 64

After losing Henry Ellenson to the NBA, Marquette came back with a vengeance this past season to make the NCAA Tournament. The Golden Eagles were one of the best three-point shooting teams in the entire country and could frighten just about any opponent with their accuracy from deep.

They did just that in their defeat of Villanova, their signature win. They trailed by 17 at one point in that game but were able to storm back and secure the victory that would end up getting them a ticket to the Big Dance.

Freshman Markus Howard led the team in scoring at 13.2 points per game thanks to 54.7% from three-point land, but four other players also scored in double figures on average for the Golden Eagles. This team could flat-out score, and should not be ashamed of going out in the first round to eventual Final Four team South Carolina.

Providence Friars

Record: 20-13 (10-8 Big East)

Postseason: 11 seed, First Four

Thanks to some big wins, including those over Rhode Island, Creighton, Butler and Marquette (2x), Providence was able to sneak into the Big Dance as a First Four team. Unlike lots of teams who hurt their bubble case as the season wore on, Providence won six of their last seven games before Selection Sunday to get in.

The Friars lost in the First Four to USC, but after losing Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil from a year ago, it is hard to argue that Providence exceeded expectations this past season.

Rodney Bullock (15.7 points per game) was joined by three others in double-figure scoring on the season and he will be returning for his senior season. Can Ed Cooley get this team back to the Big Dance again next season?

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