Big East Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament bracket and preview
Team-by-team breakdown
1. Xavier Musketeers (27-4, 15-3): Throughout the season, Xavier has been tested time and time again. Unlike some of the other top teams in the country, the Musketeers are not the type of team that consistently blows out their opponents. They play tight game after tight game but have the senior leadership and elite stars that can take over down the stretch.
2. Villanova Wildcats (27-4, 14-4): Even though Villanova did not win the conference title this season, this year has been a success so far. The Wildcats are 2-0 against Xavier and should be in line to receive a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Villanova is one of the favorites to be named national champions at the end of the year and there are many good reasons for that.
3. Seton Hall Pirates (21-10, 10-8): Even though it was an up and down season, Seton Hall has found itself as the No. 3 seed in the Big East Tournament. Kevin Willard’s team is led by a talented quartet of seniors to go with an elite sophomore in Myles Powell who just won Most Improved Player in the conference.
4. Creighton Bluejays (21-10, 10-8): It is hard to find a better duo in the conference than Khyri Thomas and Marcus Foster. These two players complement each other well and they are the leaders on one of the best offenses in the country. The Bluejays are a danger to any team they face because of their sheer ability to outscore their opponents.
5. Providence Friars (19-12, 10-8): Never count out the Friars. Ed Cooley seems to always get his teams in the right position to succeed and they are sitting right on the NCAA Tournament bubble. With a win, they should go dancing. Behind the veteran leaders on their team, Providence’s overall balance makes them a threat.
6. Butler Bulldogs (19-12, 9-9): Do not be fooled by the Bulldogs’ conference record. According to John Gasaway of ESPN, Butler finished conference play tied for second in the league in efficiency margin with Xavier. As long as Kamar Baldwin and Paul Jorgensen get their groove back over the course of this week, then they are a dangerous team not only in the BET but in the NCAA Tournament.
7. Marquette Golden Eagles (18-12, 9-9): Sometimes scoring is all that is needed. Marquette’s defensive struggles are well-documented but they can put up points better than anyone else. In addition to a ridiculously talented offensive backcourt, Sam Hauser is a top-notch tertiary option. The team is entering the BET having won their last two games.
8. Georgetown Hoyas (15-14, 5-13): This has been a successful season for Georgetown. The conference win total could have been higher if it wasn’t for some missed opportunities, but Patrick Ewing’s first year has been positive. The team has lost their last four games and it would be a surprise if they went on a run.
9. St. John’s Red Storm (15-16, 4-14): Villanova. Duke. Butler. Marquette. All of these teams know just how dangerous St. John’s can be when they are feeling it. The Red Storm has been inconsistent all year but could catch fire and upset some teams at MSG. All eyes will be on one man with this team, though.
10. DePaul Blue Demons (11-19, 4-14): DePaul does not look like a candidate to make a deep run here. The Blue Demons have not won more than one game in a row since mid-December and there is no indication that it will happen anytime soon. They do, however, have a major chance to play spoiler in the first round.