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Big East Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

By Connor Wilson

Feb 14, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Ryan Hawkins (44) scores on a three point shot against Georgetown Hoyas guard Aminu Mohammed (0) in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Ryan Hawkins (44) scores on a three point shot against Georgetown Hoyas guard Aminu Mohammed (0) in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big East Basketball R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Big East Basketball R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Key Teams

Team to Beat: Villanova

Despite finishing second in the regular season, the Wildcats are still the team to beat at Madison Square Garden. Villanova swept first place Providence and split the season series with third-place UConn. They rank first in the conference in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.

Villanova isn’t that deep of a team, usually going just seven deep, eight max, with the starters and guard Caleb Daniels all averaging over 25 minutes per game and no one else averaging more than 11.

The “Super 6” all play their roles for the ‘Cats, but Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore stand out as top contributors, both averaging over 15 PPG in over 33 MPG this season.

Top Contender – Providence

Ah yes, the regular-season champion Providence Friars. Who saw that one coming? Nonetheless, Ed Cooley has his group locked and loaded for a big March. Despite losing both games to Villanova, the Friars still snuck away with a first-place finish and a 24-4 record and are legit contenders to win the Big East Tournament

Providence is a team that doesn’t really have a go-to guy, but rather a solid unit as a whole that can hurt you in many ways. Jared Bynum (12.9), Noah Horchler (9.9), and A.J. Reeves (10.4) all just about average double digits and can beat you from outside and Nate Watson (13.7) cleans things up in the paint.

If the Friars can all play up to the potential they showed all throughout the season, then this has the looks of a team that can and will win multiple games in the NCAA Tournament.

Dark Horses – DePaul and Seton Hall

A pair of teams that have been hot the past couple of weeks, both DePaul (3-1 in last 4) and Seton Hall (5 straight wins) have the ability to go on a run in the tournament with the firepower they have at the top.

The Blue Demons have one of the most underrated scorers in the country in Javon Freeman-Liberty (21.9 PPG) who has proven he can win his team games this year. They also have a solid secondary option, with David Jones being in the top ten in the conference in scoring this year. DePaul would have to get hot and win the whole thing if they want to hear their name called Selection Sunday.

On the other hand, no matter what happens at The Garden the Pirates will still make the NCAA Tournament. They are led by Big East First Teamer Jared Rhoden and are a really well-rounded group, with seven of their eight rotational players averaging at least 7 PPG, and the one that doesn’t, Ike Obiagu, is a front runner for Defensive Player of the Year in the conference.

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