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Big East Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament bracket and preview

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 28: Xavier Musketeers players celebrate after winning the Big East Conference regular season title with an 84-74 win over the Providence Friars at Cintas Center on February 28, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 28: Xavier Musketeers players celebrate after winning the Big East Conference regular season title with an 84-74 win over the Providence Friars at Cintas Center on February 28, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 28: Froling
MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 28: Froling /

Bracketology outlook

Locks: Villanova, Xavier, Seton Hall, Creighton

This should come as no surprise. Villanova and Xavier represent two of the best teams in the nation and are competing for spots on the top line in the NCAA Tournament. In our most recent edition of Bracketology, both teams received No. 1 seeds. It is rare that two teams from the same conference are on the top line but it could happen if both squads reach the BET championship game.

As for Seton Hall, they are locked into the field even with a loss in their quarterfinal game against Butler. The Pirates’ inconsistencies make them a risky bet in March but they will definitely hear their name called on Selection Sunday. Watch out for the return of Desi Rodriguez as a step-ladder to postseason success for Hall.

As a Bracketologist, I would be incredibly surprised if Creighton missed the tournament. They are firmly set as a No. 8 seed in my current bracket and a loss to Marquette should not change their placement much. The Bluejays are in good shape to go dancing and could pose a threat to a No. 1-3 seed if they reach the second round of the Big Dance.

Should be in: Butler

Butler, on the other hand, needs a win over Seton Hall to feel locked into the tournament field. While the Bulldogs would still likely make the NCAA Tournament even with a loss, fans will definitely want to see the team win. If LaVall Jordan can get Kamar Baldwin back on track, then they will be in much better shape.

Work left to do: Providence, Marquette

In my opinion, both of these teams need another win to go dancing. Their resumes currently reside right on the bubble and they have opportunities to move up thanks to the BET. Providence enters the tournament as one of my last four teams in the field while Marquette is one of the first four teams out. For Providence, a win over Creighton should make them feel very comfortable. On the other hand, Marquette might need more than just win over DePaul.

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