Big East Basketball Tournament Predictions

It’s time for the Big East tournament, which starts today. This will be the most interesting conference tournament because 10 teams, at the very least, are headed to the NCAA tournament. Here are my predictions for this conference tournament.

First Round

Connecticut vs. DePaul: This will be an easy win for the Huskies. DePaul has only won one conference game this year.

Winner: Connecticut

Seton Hall vs. Rutgers: Seton Hall is playing much better basketball right now and they will attack Rutgers in transition.

Winner: Seton Hall

Villanova vs. South Florida: It is bizarre to see a team as good as Villanova playing this early in the tournament. Corey Fisher goes for 25 points in this game.

Winner: Villanova

Providence vs. Marquette: The Golden Eagles have blown every opportunity to play their way into the NCAA tournament. No longer—Marquette will make a stand against Providence tonight.

Winner: Marquette

Second Round

Connecticut vs. Georgetown: This will be a close game. However, the difference will be the spectacular play of Kemba Walker.

Winner: Connecticut

St. John's vs. Seton Hall: The Pirates blew St. John’s out in their last meeting. St. John's will return the favor this time around.

Winner: St. John’s

Cincinnati vs. Villanova: The Wildcats will win this game with physical, tough and scrappy defense.

Winner: Villanova

West Virginia vs. Providence: West Virginia will pound Providence in the paint with their size.

Winner: West Virginia

Quarterfinals

Pitt vs. Connecticut: The amount of games that the Huskies have played up until this point will take a toll on them. The Panthers’ size and depth will wear the Huskies down.

Winner: Pitt

St. John's vs. Syracuse: St. John’s play has been exceptionally well up until this point, but Syracuse will expose the Red Storm’s lack of size.

Winner: Syracuse

 Notre Dame vs. Villanova: Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that the Fighting Irish will go nuts from the three-point line in this meeting.

Winner: Notre Dame

West Virginia vs. Louisville: The first two meetings between these two teams had some strange finishes. But, Louisville will execute and not commit any costly mistakes this time around.

Winner: Louisville

Semifinals

Pitt vs. Syracuse: This is a very close matchup, but the difference will be Brad Wanamaker.

Winner: Pitt

oiNotre Dame vs. Louisville:  The Fighting Irish have the depth and the playmakers to combat the Cardinals’ pressing style of play.

Winner: Notre Dame

Big East Championship

Pitt vs. Notre Dame: This is the way it should be, two of the best teams in the conference battling out it for the crown. However, the Panthers’ perimeter defense will be the difference.

Winner: Pitt