Big East Basketball Tournament: Marquette, Villanova headline at MSG
Team-by-team breakdown
Villanova Wildcats (22-9, 13-5 BE): Villanova has not been the dominant force that they have been in the past this season but they are still very good. With seniors Eric Paschall and Phil Booth leading the way, they have a strong dose of leadership while Collin Gillespie is about as consistent as they come. The Wildcats won the Big East regular-season title outright and that matters.
Marquette Golden Eagles (23-8, 12-6 BE): Even though they did not win the Big East regular-season title, Marquette is still a very good team. Thanks to the play of Markus Howard and the Hauser Bros, this offense is as strong as ever but their defense has taken massive strides. The Golden Eagles enter the BET, though, on a four-game losing streak.
Seton Hall Pirates (18-13, 9-9 BE): Seton Hall has been incredibly inconsistent this season. They have had multiple long winning streaks while also their fair share of consecutive losses as well. As we saw in the last week of the season, though, the Pirates can beat anyone. They took down Marquette and Villanova at home in their final regular-season games. Myles Powell has the clutch gene.
Xavier Musketeers (17-14, 9-9 BE): Xavier is feeling it right now. After starting conference play at just 3-8, the Musketeers won six of their final seven games with their only loss coming on the road to rival Butler. Head coach Travis Steele has to be happy with how his team has played as of late in his first season at the helm of the program.
Creighton Bluejays (18-13, 9-9 BE): When the Bluejays slipped to 4-9 in conference play, most hope was lost regarding the team. Now, though, they enter the BET as one of the hottest teams in the country thanks to a five-game winning streak. This team has plenty of offensive weapons and they can light up anybody they face. The Bluejays rank in the top-20 nationally in both 3P% and 2P%.
Georgetown Hoyas (19-12, 9-9 BE): Georgetown, behind the play of three stellar freshmen, has put together a strong season. They might still be on the “outside looking in” with regards to the NCAA Tournament but this was yet another step in the right direction for head coach Patrick Ewing. The future is extremely bright for the Hoyas but let’s not forget about the present quite yet. A deep run in the BET could get them dancing.
St. John’s Red Storm (20-11, 8-10 BE): St. John’s has disappointed, for the most part, so far this season. With one of the most talented rosters in the conference, this team definitely should not be playing on the first day of the BET, but yet, here we are. The Red Storm still have an abundance of talent and could easily make a deep run in both the BET and the NCAAT. They will need to find some consistency, though, and time is running out. But with the clock winding down…it’s a good thing they have Shamorie Ponds.
Providence Friars (17-14, 7-11 BE): Providence struggled this season due to injuries, in my opinion. Due to his range and consistency from deep, A.J. Reeves is one of the most important players for this team and he missed an extended period of time. With him on the court all year long, the Friars are likely much closer to making the NCAA Tournament. Could they be a threat in the BET now that he is back and looking strong again? Absolutely.
Butler Bulldogs (16-15, 7-11 BE): It is a rare occurrence to say that Butler has underachieved but that is the case this season. For just the third time in the last 13 years, the Dawgs are likely to miss the NCAA Tournament and there are two main reasons why. First, Butler has really struggled to get stops on the defensive end all season long. Additionally, Kamar Baldwin has been great but they do not have a consistent secondary scorer. Thankfully, though, head coach LaVall Jordan returns a lot of talent for next season and this team could be very strong in 2019-20.
DePaul Blue Demons (15-14, 7-11 BE): DePaul took the first step to relevance this season. I know that they still finished tied for last in the league but winning seven games is a great step for the future, especially when you consider the recruiting class that is coming in. Head coach Dave Leitao has received his fair of criticism but it seems as though he has the program trending in the right direction for the first time in a while. The Blue Demons are rising, slowly but surely.