Big East Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals and Finals

Semifinals

No. 4 Marquette vs No. 1 Providence – 3/11, 6:30 p.m. on FS1

The first of a pair of thrilling semifinal matchups, Marquette and Providence go head to head for the third time this season. The Golden Eagles were one of the few teams that beat the Friars this year, and they did so in blowout fashion back in December. Despite this, I believe that Providence will live up to its expectations as the No. 1 seed and advance to the championship game.

Prediction: Providence 78, Marquette 70

No. 3 UConn vs No. 2 Villanova – 3/11, 9 p.m. on FS1

Two of the greatest programs in the conference’s history, a UConn and Villanova matchup late Friday night would be the definition of a primetime Big East matchup. The Huskies and Wildcats split their matchups this season, with both squads winning on their home floor. The Garden will be jam-packed with fans from both schools. In a close, intense matchup, I have the Huskies coming out on top and moving on.

Prediction: UConn 68, Villanova 65

Finals

No. 3 UConn vs No. 1 Providence – 3/12, 6:30 p.m. on FOX

The final game comes down to one of the greatest rivalries not only in the conference, but the country. The Huskies and Friars only met one time during the regular season, all the way back in December.

Providence came out on top by just three points in a game where Adama Sanogo didn’t play. This game is going to come down to one of the last few possessions, and I believe that a Sanogo Huskies team will come out on top.

Prediction: UConn 72, Providence 66