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Big East Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Ian Mumm

Dec 30, 2020; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; DePaul Blue Demons guard Charlie Moore (11) looks on as Connecticut Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) shoots a free-throw in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; DePaul Blue Demons guard Charlie Moore (11) looks on as Connecticut Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) shoots a free-throw in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big East Basketball St. John’s Red Storm Julian Champagnie Seton Hall Pirates Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Big East Basketball St. John’s Red Storm Julian Champagnie Seton Hall Pirates Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Predictions – Second Round

#1 Villanova Wildcats vs. #8 Georgetown Hoyas

Villanova certainly has rotational problems they need to fix and could really use the conference tournament to tune them up. However, Georgetown is a team that has given the Wildcats issues even when fully healthy.

Winning both matchups this season by 13 and 10 points respectively, the Hoyas have the inside threats and guards capable of creating the upset should Villanova continue to struggle in the way they did against Providence to close the season. Villanova will be on upset alert, but they have the talent to get the job done.

Prediction: Villanova Wildcats

#5 Seton Hall Pirates vs. #4 St. John’s Red Storm

The Pirates may need a little Madison Square Garden magic to slide into the tournament field, but St. John’s might not be the ideal team for them to do so against. This matchup comes on the heels of these programs squaring off to end the season in which the Johnnies completed a short-handed comeback victory at home. Hopeful that Posh Alexander can return to the lineup, the Red Storm would be well-positioned to continue their winning ways and win the season-series 2-1.

Prediction: St. John’s Red Storm

#2 Creighton Bluejays vs. #7 Xavier Musketeers

This matchup has been a difficult one for Creighton this season and they would ideally prefer to have another opponent in their opening game of the tournament. Splitting the season series with the Musketeers, the powerful scoring ability of Xavier has the potential to give the Bluejays issues.

However, Xavier has lost some of their punch after COVID pauses have interrupted their momentum. Creighton seems to be improving to end the season, while Xavier is still dusting off the cobwebs.

Prediction: Creighton Bluejays

#3 UConn Huskies vs. #6 Providence Friars

The Friars managed to split the season series with the Huskies this year, but Providence was fortunate enough to have secured their win during the time period James Bouknight was hurt. Connecticut’s offense and defense suffer when he is not in the lineup and Ed Cooley’s group was able to take advantage.

Now that he’s healthy again, UConn has taken things back up to their highest gear and most certainly will be able to replicate the results from their double-digit win over the Friars a week later.

Prediction: UConn Huskies

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