As you get your picks ready for the annual office pool and the ClassActSports.com pool, keep this in mind: No matter what, the Big East is still the best conference in the land. All of its 8 teams have a solid chance to make a nice run in the tournament, and bank on them to do so. Take a look…
Syracuse:
After a disappointing loss against Georgetown at the Garden, the Orange has now had the opportunity to collect themselves and gear up for their run in the West. If healthy, there is no doubt that this team should get the four wins that are mandatory for a Final Four appearance. The question is can they beat Kansas?
Villanova:
You've gotta like the Wildcats’ chances, mostly because they are in the same bracket as Duke, who many feel are the weakest number one seed. If Scottie Reynolds continues to cement his iconic legacy for this storied program, then the 25th anniversary of the greatest ‘Nova run ever could be very special.
WVU:
Bobby Huggins has known all season that this is one of his best teams ever, and now they will prove it to the world. The Big East championship is certainly something to write home about, but there is much more in store for these gritty, gusty Mountaineers. Watch out for them to top Kentucky in an Elite 8 showdown, in what will be one of the greatest basketball games ever.
Georgetown:
Let’s face it; the Hoyas are in the toughest bracket of all. With Kansas, Ohio State, Maryland and Michigan State, G-Town will have to pass a lot of tests to get to Indianapolis. They proved that they are back on the right track after a nice conference tournament run, and now we’ll see what this team is made of. Greg Monroe will have to step up in every game if these Hoyas are going to make some noise.
Marquette:
Certainly, Marquette has the goods to survive this weekend with tough games against Washington and most likely New Mexico. I expect West Virginia to top the Golden Eagles in the Sweet 16, but that will definitely be a great Big East battle.
Louisville:
The problem for the Cardinals is that they will have to face Duke before this weekend is out. While I don’t see Duke getting to the Final Four this year, I don’t see them faltering a second-round match-up against an inconstant Louisville team. You never know with Rick Pitino, and it’s tough to doubt his game plan, but the Dukies will send them home.
Notre Dame:
Notre Dame is good enough to win this weekend, but like Marquette, they will have to face a tough Big East rival in a Sweet 16 game. For the Irish, it will be Villanova. For now though, the question is will they get past this weekend? And I see Notre Dame topping Baylor in the second round.
