Big East Basketball Tournament: Marquette, Villanova headline at MSG
Predictions for the Big East Tournament
Opening Day (March 13)
(9) Butler Bulldogs over (8) Providence Friars
It’s really hard to beat the same team three times. And while Providence has, for the most part, controlled Butler so far this season, I don’t think they will be able to complete the three-peat. Both of these teams need to win the BET in order to make the NCAA Tournament and I think that the backcourt combo of Jorgensen/Baldwin will carry the Dawgs to this victory.
(7) St. John’s Red Storm over (10) DePaul Blue Demons
DePaul has had a strong season compared to usual expectations but I don’t think that they will be able to come away victorious in this one. St. John’s understands what it needs to do to make the Big Dance and they won’t let this one slip away. Ponds will be the best player on the court and make that clear en route to a big-time performance.
Quarterfinals (March 14)
(1) Villanova Wildcats over (9) Butler Bulldogs
Butler just does not have the horses to keep up with Villanova for an entire 40 minutes. The Dawgs played the Wildcats relatively close for the first 20 minutes in each of their regular-season matchups and that might be the case once again if this matchup occurs. Once Villanova flips the switch in the second half, though, Butler will not be able to keep up.
(5) Creighton Bluejays over (4) Xavier Musketeers
Two of the hottest teams in the conference meet in this matchup and I lean towards shooting. Creighton’s offense is simply more consistent than Xavier’s and they have more options to carry the weight on that end of the floor. The Bluejays will be looking to play their way into the NCAA Tournament during the BET and this is step one. They need two wins to feel relatively safe.
(2) Marquette Golden Eagles over (7) St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s has had Marquette’s number so far this season. The Red Storm are 2-0 against the Golden Eagles so far this season but I think their luck will run out in this one. Marquette will be well-rested and prepared while SJU will already be playing their second game in as many days. Given the fact that SJU is not a deep team, I like Marquette to take this one.
(3) Seton Hall Pirates over (6) Georgetown Hoyas
Seton Hall has been playing excellent basketball as of late and a win in this matchup would definitely lock up an NCAA Tournament bid for them. Myles Powell will be the best player on the floor and could go off for a major scoring outburst. In the two regular-season meetings between these squads, the Pirates won at home by six and lost in double-OT on the road.
Semifinals (March 15)
(1) Villanova Wildcats over (5) Creighton Bluejays
Villanova will be out to make a statement in the Big East Tournament. Throughout this season, many have claimed that the Wildcats are overrated. Yet, they still managed to win the conference outright and will be looking to improve their NCAA Tournament seed in this meeting. Creighton’s offense is tremendous but Villanova’s is better. This could be a shootout if it occurs.
(3) Seton Hall Pirates over (2) Marquette Golden Eagles
Markus Howard vs. Myles Powell. What more could you ask for in a semifinals matchup? With regards to choosing a winner, this comes down to recent play. While I believe that Marquette is definitely the better team, they are trending down at the moment while Seton Hall is on the rise. This could be the most fun matchup of the tournament if it occurs.
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Championship (March 16)
(1) Villanova Wildcats over (3) Seton Hall Pirates
Villanova is the better team in this matchup and Seton Hall’s luck will run out if they reach this point. Should this matchup occur, both teams will only be fighting for seeding and I like the experience of Paschall/Booth carry into a victory. Jay Wright is a March master.