Big East Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

The Big East Basketball Conference Tournament will take place this week at Madison Square Garden. What should be expected out in NYC?

The Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden is always one of the most highly-anticipated events of the entire season. While the Big East is far from a one-bid league and the event rarely yields a bid-stealer, there is a tremendous history between the famed venue and the elite conference. Even though the teams have changed over the past several years, Madison Square Garden still belongs to the Big East when it comes to college hoops.

With regard to this particular season, the conference is extremely strong. Creighton, Villanova, and Seton Hall ended the regular-season with 13-5 records in league play and split the conference crown as a result. All three of them are locks to hear their names called on Selection Sunday and each will likely see a Top 4 seed next to their name as well.

Add in the fact that Butler, Providence, Marquette, and possibly Xavier are all possible NCAA Tournament teams and it’s easy to see just how deep and talented this 10-team league is this season. This has been one of the best seasons for the “New Big East” and that will hopefully be noticed in the single-elimination Big Dance.

Prior to Selection Sunday, though, these teams will compete in the Big East Tournament in the Big Apple. With tip-off for the opening round of the event approaching quickly on March 11th, let’s dive into a preview.