Beast of the East: Big East Tournament Preview

After careful consideration, and a conversation with a fellow BR writer, I decided to give my take on the Big East tournament.

The only thing that's certain about this tournament is that there will be a full house in Madison Square Garden for the first time since LeBron James came to town.

It's obvious that there will be some serious implications being thrown down when 12 teams lock horns for the Big East Tournament Championship and the right to be included in the 65 team field. Here's the rundown on the Big East throwdown.

Villanova vs. Syracuse

Two months ago, the team formally known as the Orangemen got spanked by Villanova. From a source close to Syracuse (aka an Orange fan), that will not happen this time around. Not only is that source saying that the Orange will win this one, but he is also saying they'll beat up on Georgetown as well.

Now, I'm not a rocket scientist (though I should be for having to deal with disgruntled fans every day), if Syracuse got trounced by 10 back in January, and Villanova is starting to find its groove once more, what makes anyone think that Jimbo is ready for the Wildcats this time?

Guess we should fast forward to a few weeks later. The Orange avenged that loss with a seven point win in Villanova. So this would be the rubber match, so to speak. But do the Orange have enough in their tank to dispatch the Wildcats this time around. Survey says: EHH EHH! Villanova wins a close one and gets ready for another round with Georgetown.

Final Score: Villanova 70, Syracuse 64

On Tap: Georgetown

West Virginia vs. Providence

The Mountaineers dispatched St. John's by nine to end the season. West Virginia's biggest problem is that they are facing Providence, who is notorious for upsets, so this should be interesting. Two losses to WV this season have the Friars on edge and hoping for some postseason magic.

This is the Big East Tournament where anything can happen, and if anyone knows that, it's Providence. Their season ending loss to Villanova didn't help their chances much, but this might be the game that turns things around for the Friars. But then again, this is West Virginia and they're looking to make an impact in a hurry. Anyone up for a little trash talking in Morgantown?

Final Score: West Virginia 82, Providence 74

On Tap: UConn

Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati

A 22-9 season is only decent for the Panthers, but a season ending win over DePaul made it better. They split their season series against the Bearcats so this rubber match should be pretty good. The Bearcats on the other hand have been downright dismal as of late.

Cincy enters the tournament on a five game losing streak, including a season ending drubbing thanks to UConn. This game needs no predictions or anymore buildup, because it won't be even worth it. The Panthers won by six the last time around and the Bearcats can't seem to catch a break. On Wednesday night, the last of the Cats nine lives will be taken by the ferocious Panthers.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 77, Cincinnati 59

On Tap: Louisville

Marquette vs. Seton Hall

The Golden Eagles had their wings clipped against the Orange to end the regular season and they might just need to make it to the Finals to make it into the Big Dance. Marquette finished the season at 22-8, but the bonus is that they won both of their meetings against Seton Hall.

The Pirates lost to Rutgers by three to end their regular season. Their best hope of reaching postseason play will getting by Marquette and into a quarterfinal game, but their postseason play will be in the NIT and their conference record of 7-11 may not be enough for them to get into any tournament. The Eagles should win this one and they should have their hands full with Notre Dame. Too bad the Irish football team can't play this well.

Final Score: Marquette 81, Seton Hall 63

On Tap: Notre Dame

The Garden will be filled! And the best part: THE KNICKS WON'T BE THE REASON FOR IT!! How sad is it when a tennis match, Wrestlemania, and the Big East Tournament sell out the Garden, and the Knicks can't even get average NBA attendance?