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 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Butler University guard Avery Woodson (0) celebrates defeating Villanova University 66-58 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Butler University guard Avery Woodson (0) celebrates defeating Villanova University 66-58 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Butler Bulldogs

Record: 25-9 (12-6 Big East)

Postseason: 4 seed, Sweet 16

After losing Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham, most people did not have Butler projected to finish second in the Big East. However, that is just what Chris Holtmann’s squad did. Behind solid shooting and a good mix of veterans and youth, Butler turned in one of their best regular seasons in school history.

They made the Sweet 16 this past season after leading for the first 80 minutes of action they played in. The Bulldogs then lost to North Carolina, who would go on to win the National Championship.

Their signature wins both came against Villanova, who they beat twice, but let’s not forget that this Butler team also beat the following teams: Arizona, Cincinnati, Xavier (2x), Northwestern, Vanderbilt. With Kamar Baldwin and Kelan Martin returning for next season, the Dawgs will return as strong as ever.

Villanova Wildcats

Record: 32-4 (15-3 Big East)

Postseason: 1 seed, Round of 32

Losing in the second round as the No. 1 overall seed is definitely a tough end to a great season. Villanova was regarded as one of the best teams in the country all year long, and it was a shame that they had to a face such a battle-tested and veteran group in the Wisconsin Badgers in the second round.

Yet, this is Jay Wright we are talking about. No matter what, Villanova is going to have an excellent team, and this season’s postseason disappointment will have very little impact on where the team ends up next year.

Villanova’s season was tremendous even if they were not able to repeat as champions, and they were dominant throughout most of the regular season, where they only lost three times. On the whole, they lost to teams from Wisconsin twice (Wisconsin, Marquette) and Butler twice. Outside of those teams? 32-0.

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