The Big East and the Dance: A Nine-Team Showing?

With conference play already started in college hoops, it's time to start looking at who is or is not going to make the big dance this year from the Big East.

The Big East is the largest conference in Division I, with 16 teams. Most people think 10 teams have the potential to make it to the 65-team championship; while that is a stretch, it's possible nine teams could get in, which would be a record.

Let's examine the nine that have the best shot.

Pitt is definitely going to make the tournament this year. Pitt is 17-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference, with their only loss to a very good Louisville team on the road. Not only is Pitt a lock for the tournament, they could even be a top seed this year. With their inside and outside scoring, they will be a hard to beat.  

Marquette stands atop the Big East right now with a 16-2 record overall and is 5-0 in conference. With the three outstanding guards, they are hard for teams to match up against. Marquette probably won't finish the season undefeated in conference play, but will still be near the top.

Louisville (14-3, 5-0) started the season ranked third in the country and lost a few games that should not have even been close. However, Louisville is on a six-game win streak, including a home win over former top-ranked Pitt. They are now playing the way people thought they would have played all year.

It is no surprise to see them atop the standings, and they may be there to stay. They also have great inside and outside scorers, making them one hard team to beat come March.

Connecticut (17-1, 6-1) is ranked third in the country for a reason. UConn may be the most dangerous team in the conference, if not the country. They have great guard play and outstanding post players. Don't forget about Hasheem Thabeet, maybe one of the best shot blockers in the country.  

Syracuse (17-3, 5-2) looks like a strong team that will make the dance this year. They don’t even have to worry about being on the bubble; they will be in as long as they go .500 or better the rest of the year. With great players on both ends of the court, the Orangemen are athletic enough to match up with anybody in the country.

Georgetown (12-4, 3-2) is playing itself into the tournament right now. Nobody would have thought they would be this good this fast. They lost almost everything from last year’s team but reloaded with great young talent. They have maybe the best freshman in the country in Greg Monroe, and with the style of offense they play, they can keep any game close. Their defense also is one of the stingiest around.

Notre Dame (12-5, 3-3) should get into the dance this year. Big East player of the year Luke Harangody is back, along with Kyle McAlarney, and both can beat teams in several different ways. The Irish need to improve their defense and outside shooting, as they rely too much on the deep ball to win games. They also don’t seem to like to guard anybody, which must change if they want to make a run late into March.

Villanova (14-4, 2-3) may be on the bubble on this year. Villanova needs to pick up a big win on the road to help them out. They have played well enough in every game to win them but have problems finishing. Although the record looks good, the lack of a marquee win could work against them in March.

West Virginia (13-4, 2-2) is one of the hardest teams to read. WVU has the best defense in the conference but struggles on offense way too much. They are only averaging 73 points a game, despite having playmakers all over the court. They do not have the size to match up with bigger teams but do have the athletic ability and are able to take other teams out of their game by playing strong defense.

WVU also is in search of a big marquee win, and if they pull it off, they might just wind up in the tournament once again.

Others to watch out for: Providence (12-6, 4-2), Cincinnati (12-7, 2-4)