Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 16: The Big East logo before the Championship game of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 16: The Big East logo before the Championship game of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 12: Zegarowski of the Bluejays shoots. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 12: Zegarowski of the Bluejays shoots. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /

Storylines to follow…

1. Marcus Zegarowski’s injury status.

I’ve already touched on this a bit but Marcus Zegarowski is one of the main reasons why Creighton is a national title contender. He stirs the drink with his passing and probing while also being able to fill it up from distance as well. He was recently ruled doubtful for at least the opening game of the Big East Tournament. If he is healthy and on the floor, the Bluejays are definitely one of the favorites. If not, we could see a team like Providence, Butler, or…someone else…from that top half of the bracket make a run.

2. St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.

That “someone else” from above was in reference to St. John’s. The Red Storm are the No. 9 overall seed in the Big East Tournament but are in a position to make a run. Considering this event takes place at Madison Square Garden in NYC, this team is definitely used to playing in the arena and should have plenty of fan support. St. John’s last two games in the NYC area were victories over Creighton and Marquette in its final three contests of the regular season. Considering Creighton could be without Zegarowski and SJU is on that side of the bracket, a deep run is possible.

3. Providence trending upward.

It is no secret that Providence is absolutely soaring up the national ranks right now. With that said, though, most people still peg the Friars in the same tier as Butler, Xavier, and Marquette rather than with the three teams that tied for the regular-season title. This is largely still based on how poorly PC played during its non-conference schedule as well. Providence is a dark horse to win the BET and it shouldn’t be. The Friars could easily lose in their first game as they have a tough matchup against Butler but it wouldn’t be a shock if they were cutting down the nets, either.

4. Elite guard play could dominate the weekend.

Markus Howard. Myles Powell. Kamar Baldwin. Ty-Shon Alexander. Just remember those names. When it comes to March, guard play can be what carries a team to a deep run. Those four guys are some of the best of the best in the conference and could set New York City on fire.

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