Big East Tournament 2013: Predictions for Each Top Contender in Field

The 2013 Big East tournament is wide open, with at least eight or nine teams that could realistically win it all. Only one will be able to call themselves champion.

This year's event will be the last of its kind after a great history at Madison Square Garden. Notre Dame could end up joining Pittsburgh and Syracuse in the ACC next season. Meanwhile, the seven catholic schools are leaving to form their own conference. 

The upcoming week will likely be the last time that all of these historic rivals will all be in the same place.

In the past, the Big East tournament is a chance for talented teams that struggled through the season to go on a great run to win the championship. Syracuse did it in 2005 and 2006, Connecticut did it in 2011, and Louisville did it last season.

Will there be a surprise once again this year or will one of the favorites win the title? Here are predictions for each top contender in this tournament.

Pittsburgh

Although Pittsburgh earned the No. 4 seed in the tournament, this was more due to taking advantage of a relatively easy schedule. The Panthers only went 1-3 against the top three teams in the conference and only played one of the top six teams more than once.

Even though they beat Syracuse earlier in the year, the lack of big-game experience will hurt in the postseason.

The Orange have not played well, but they will still likely be Pittsburgh's opponent in the first game after a double-bye. This could lead to an early exit for the Panthers.

Prediction: Loss in Quarterfinals to Syracuse

Marquette

Since the conference season began, Marquette has been one of the top teams in the country. However, the lack of success away from home has to be a concern.

Aside from an overtime win at Pittsburgh, road performances have been embarrassing for the Golden Eagles. They lost to Green Bay earlier in the year and by 33 to Florida.

Despite earning a share of the Big East regular-season title, it would not be surprising for Marquette to have an early exit in this tournament. 

Prediction: Loss in Quarterfinals to Notre Dame

Syracuse

College basketball fans are likely begging for one more matchup between rivals Georgetown and Syracuse before the schools go their separate ways after the season. However, you can imagine that the Orange do not feel the same way.

In two games, they have been completely shut down offensively by the Hoyas, most recently only scoring 39 points in a loss.

These were not flukes, but rather great defensive efforts by John Thompson III's squad. It is unlikely to change if these teams play again on a neutral court.

Prediction: Loss in Semifinals

Georgetown

There might not be a better defensive team in the country right now than Georgetown. If you watch them play, you wonder how the other side ever gets a shot off.

The issue is that the offense around Otto Porter is inconsistent at best.

In the first couple of rounds, the squad should be able to hit enough three-point shots to advance. However, it will not be too easy to score against a team that puts on pressure like Louisville.

If the shooting gets cold, it would not be surprising to see an early exit either.

Prediction: Loss in Finals

Louisville

Louisville had a few struggles in the middle of the year, but the team is finally playing up to its preseason expectations.

The defense is elite with Peyton Siva and Russ Smith providing on-ball pressure and Gorgui Dieng helping out with blocks. Additionally, the offense runs smoothly thanks to the quick backcourt and the inside scoring of Chane Behanan.

Villanova, Notre Dame and Marquette each could provide a challenge in the early rounds, but none of them have the quickness to stop the Cardinals on defense. Each of these teams is also much worse without the home crowd providing energy.

In the finals, Louisville should be able to outplay any opponent and win its second consecutive Big East tournament title.

Prediction: Tournament Champions

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