The 2013 basketball season has been marked with a series of lasts for fans of Big East basketball, for the end of the conference as we know it comes July 1, when Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and maybe even Notre Dame will join the ACC.
From Georgetown’s sudden resurgence as a powerhouse squad, to surprising upset wins by Villanova and Marquette, fans of Big East basketball have spent the past 4 months eulogizing the end of what is arguably the strongest basketball conference in America.
However, Tuesday afternoon will bring cheer into Big East fans’ hearts for one more time. For the last time ever, the teams of the conference will take to the court at Madison Square Garden, and fight for the right to be the last Big East Tournament champion ever. And as always, it’s not going to be easy for any team to make it to the trophy presentation on Saturday evening. Lets take a look at what to expect out of the 2013 Big East Tournament:
Who should win: Georgetown
Head coach John Thompson III has strung together an unlikely starting five, who seem to beat the odds with their on-court chemistry. Led by sophomore forward Otto Porter Jr., the Hoyas (24-5, 14-4 Big East) have blown out teams such as Notre Dame and Syracuse. Their offense scores a reasonable 65 points per game, but a stifling defense is the strong point of the young Georgetown team. Furthermore, unlike many other Big East schools, the team is streaking going into the tournament. After a daunting loss to lackluster South Florida in mid-January, the Hoyas have won 12 of their last 13. Look for Georgetown to come out of their two-round-by with guns firing, looking to take home one last Big East title.
Who can beat the Hoyas: Marquette
By now, every big east fan knows this once simple rule; avoid Marquette in any and every tournament. Since their NCAA tournament run a few years ago, it seems that any team can fall victim to the never say never Golden Eagles. Led by the heralded young-gun Buzz Williams, Marquette (23-7, 14-4 Big East) bounced back from poor non-conference play early in the season to earn a share of the Big East regular season title. Juniors Vander Blue and Davonte Gardner have combined for a 25.9 PPG average this season, leading an explosive offense that seems impossible to stop. With a chip on their shoulder and Williams’ charisma, the Eagles are undoubtedly a team to watch this week.
Sleeper: Villanova
Georgetown and Marquette may be the teams to beat, but Villanova has proven that they might just be the team to do it. This is because the 19-12 Wildcats have done it already this season. Jay Wright’s team stunned the Eagles in late February, 60-57. Less than three weeks later, they dominated the Hoyas, 67-57, breaking Georgetown’s 11-game winning streak. Add to the mix an overtime win against Syracuse and a convincing 9-point victory vs. Louisville, and you have this season’s king of the upset. However, the Wildcats have stumbled at times, with humbling losses to Seton Hall and Providence. Regardless, the Wildcats seem to play to the level of their opponents. Therefore, if Nova can avoid a loss to St. John’s in their first game of the tournament, they will undoubtedly be on the radar of every other squad.
What will win the trophy: Patience
You can run the numbers and look at the regular season matchups all you want, but the truth is that you can never assume a winner when it comes to the Big East tournament. If history reveals any hint of who will win, then it is safe to say that the team that can control the ball, and slow the game down in their favor can win it all. The Big East thrives on fast-paced play, with sloppy offense being a result of the powerful defenses represented by teams across the conference. If any squad wants to hoist the coveted trophy one last time, they must have patience with the ball. Although it is impossible to say what team this will be, patience is a must for each and every team this week.
For more information on the Big East Tournament, head to the official website here.
The Pitch 