Big East Tournament 2012 Bracket: Picking Quarterfinal Games Against the Spread

The quarterfinals of the 2012 Big East tournament start in just a few hours, so check out a few possible plays to make before the games begin.

No. 9 Connecticut (+7.5) vs. No. 1 Syracuse

Take the points with the Huskies against ‘Cuse today. It’s far too many to lay with the Orange, and UConn has proved capable of keeping matchups with this team close.

Plus they have recent history on their side.

Jim Calhoun’s squad has covered or pushed in five out of its last six games while Jim Boeheim’s group is 1-4 against the spread in its last five.

The last time the two teams squared off, Syracuse narrowly escaped with a 71-69 victory, but the Huskies covered their +4.5-point spread.

No. 5 Georgetown (-3) vs. No. 3 Cincinnati

Cincinnati may have the higher seed in this tournament, but the Hoyas are better and a three-point favorite for a reason.

Even though the Bearcats have covered in five of the last six contests against Georgetown, this promises to be different.

Cincy is shooting just 38.9 percent in their last five games, and the Hoyas defense can be smothering when they get going.

If John Thompson III’s boys get hot early and motivated on D as they should, it’s going to be an easy win and cover.

No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 2 Marquette (OFF)

Marquette should be the favorite to win this game, but how to bet it will completely depend on the spread.

It should be somewhere around the Golden Eagles -2 to -4 to open, and value can be found with them if that is the case. They won their last matchup against the Cardinals 74-63.

No. 6 USF vs. No. 3 Notre Dame (OFF)

USF might open as the favorite here, and Notre Dame is the play if that happens.

The Fighting Irish won 60-49 in their last matchup with the Bulls. They have proven time and time again that they can get hot and take out anyone.

This is the team that gave Syracuse its only loss, so never count out Notre Dame.