Big East Basketball Tournament: Marquette, Villanova headline at MSG

Bracketology Overview

Locks: Marquette, Villanova

Both of these teams are safely in the NCAA Tournament field right now regardless of what happens in the Big Apple this weekend. And while both teams have finished lower than most preseason expectations, their play should not be overshadowed by that. Marquette, behind massive defensive improvements, sit in the No. 4-6 seed range at this point in time. Villanova, on the other hand, has settled into the No. 5-8 seed spot thanks to senior leadership and the emergence of a few underclassmen. No matter what happens this weekend, we will see both teams in the Big Dance.

Some perspiration: Seton Hall, St. John’s

While I have these two teams in this category, I think that Seton Hall is definitely ahead of St. John’s at the moment. This was not something I expected to say a few weeks ago but it is true. With that said, though, their situations are quite similar with regards to what they need to do in New York City. Quite simply, one win should probably do it for both teams. St. John’s might need a little bit more work but just dominating DePaul on the opening day of the tournament might be enough. We will soon find out.

Double the deodorant: Creighton, Georgetown, Xavier

This group features those teams that are currently right on the fence or on the outside looking in. Creighton, though, is definitely in the best position of this group as they might need just one win (probably two) to make the Big Dance. As for the Hoyas and the Musketeers, both teams would be better off making the BET final and then coming back to this discussion. This might seem like a longshot but it is really just two straight wins…they could make it happen.

Win the conference tournament: Butler, Providence, DePaul.

Yeah. Read the above and then do it. That’s the only shot.