Big East Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions
By Ian Mumm
Predictions – First Round
#9 Marquette Golden Eagles vs. #8 Georgetown Hoyas
Marquette has some strong wins on their resume this season, but their results have come sporadically and far from consistent. Only 2-7 against the top half of the conference and 6-4 against the bottom half, it’s possible the Golden Eagles ride DJ Carton and Theo John to an opening-round win.
However, the Hoyas have proved victorious in six of their last 10 games and have only lost to the conference’s elite. Patrick Ewing’s squad has not had a great season, but they have made efficiency for opposing offenses difficult. The Hoyas have the physicality to compete in this one.
Prediction: Georgetown Hoyas
#10 Butler Bulldogs vs. #7 Xavier Musketeers
The Bulldogs have found it very difficult to find any sense of consistency on the court this season. Lavall Jordan’s group have lost seven of their last 11 games and show no indications of whether they’ll show up for a game or not. Xavier on the other hand has one of the more powerful offenses in the conference.
Despite Butler’s ability to control the pace and slow games down, the Musketeers have down the Bulldogs by at least 12 on both occasions this season. Although Xavier has experienced their own struggles lately, the meeting of these programs should help to right the ship for now.
Prediction: Xavier Musketeers
#6 Providence Friars vs. #11 DePaul Blue Demons
Ed Cooley’s Friars have not had an ideal season and have undoubtedly dropped some questionable games, but Providence possesses some of the stronger talents in the conference. Guard David Duke is a potent scoring threat and while DePaul can play unexpectedly at any level they so choose, Providence has had their number this season. Winning both outings in contrasting styles, the Friars should be able to defeat a short-handed DePaul team for a 3rd time to advance.
Prediction: Providence Friars