As I sit here and watch
my Lady Mounties get a beat down by Notre Dame, I thought I could
talk about perhaps one of my favorite weeks of the year, Champ Week.
The conference
championship tournaments are perhaps even better than the NCAA tournament in
terms of drama and incredible games, but I want to talk about perhaps the best
conference tournament.
The Big East tournament
at Madison Square Garden is surpassed by no other. Is the Big East the best
overall conference? This year, I would say no, but nevertheless their
tournament is still the best. 16 teams, 5 days, and 15 games of intense
basketball full of upsets and lasting moments. Last year we had Kimba Walker
lead UConn through a miraculous journey to a Big East title (and eventually a
national title). In 2010, the tournament gave us the unbelievable back to back
to back last second victories with West Virginia to claim its first Big East
title off the clutch play of Da'sean Butler.
This year, I hope, will
be no different.
First Round (3/6)
DePaul vs. UConn (Noon)
UConn is still trying to
secure a bid in the dance. A victory over the worst team in the Big East won't
help much, but if they lose to DePaul, they will find Silent Bob throwing them
off the train for having no ticket.
Tsaasify Nod: UConn
Pitt vs. St. John's
(2pm)
St. John's is full of
freshmen, but freshmen with talent. Pitt has just been disappointing all
year (won't find me complaining). If Coach Dixion still wants to make the
dance, they will have to start by winning this game, but this is St. John's
home court. Could be the first of many great games in the tournament.
Tsaasify Nod: Pitt
Providence vs. Seton
Hall (7pm)
Seton Hall is a decent
team. Providence, if they weren't playing in the Big East, could be a mid-major
champ. But they are still Providence. Expect Seton Hall to bring their best
game and redeem themselves after losing to DePaul.
Tsaasify Nod: Seton Hall
Villanova vs.
Rutgers (9pm)
I'm not use to Villanova
being the 14th seed, but there is a reason for that. As for Rutgers, they have
shown huge improvement from last year. Don't underestimate either team. Calling
it now. This will be another great game that will go into overtime.
Tsaasify Nod: Rutgers
Second Round (3/7)
(assuming First round goes according to the Nod)
UConn vs. WVU (Noon)
My Mountaineers want to
punch one more victory in their NCAA ticket. UConn needs this win more than
WVU. The regular season match-up was a close one in the XL center. Luckily for
WVU this is in the Garden. KJ, with his Flyin' WV hair cut, wants to make his
senior year count, and to get the Big East POY and All-American honors. Could
seeing this going down to the last possession.
Tsaasify Nod: WVU
Pitt vs. Georgetown
(2pm)
Georgetown is perhaps
the most underrated team in the Big East. They have a solid squad, and wants to
make a statement before selection Sunday, Pitt knows winning the Big East is
the only way to advance. First major upset of the Tournament.
Tsaasify Nod: Pitt
Seton Hall vs.
Louisville (7pm)
Seton Hall will face a
strong Cardinals team. Expect their tournament run to end against UL's press.
Tsaasify Nod: Lousiville
Rutgers vs. South
Florida (9pm)
South Florida has been a
Big East surprise. Plus, they, just like WVU, want to add another victory to
their resume to make sure they make the dance. Winning 12 Big East games should
be more than plenty to get an invite.
Tsaasify Nod: USF
Quarterfinals (3/8)
WVU vs. Syracuse (Noon)
A
missed goal-tending call won't determine this game. WVU didn't play 'Cuse
with a Melo down low. Plus Syracuse is the elite of the conference. Don't
expect that to change Thursday. Still, this will be a good game, especially if
Kevin Jones gets hot.
Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse
Pitt vs. Cincinnati
(2pm)
Will PItt run in the
tournament continue? Pitt has the talent to make the miracle run, but the
Bearcats will have something to say about it. First double overtime game in the
tournament. I just hope that I am free that afternoon to watch this game.
Tsaasify Nod: Pitt
Louisville vs. Marquette
(7pm)
I am still absolutely
amazed by the Golden Eagles. I wouldn't be surprised if they make a strong run
to the NCAA tourney. This match-up will be a great game. I know where I will be
that evening.
Tsaasify Nod: Marquette
South Florida vs. Notre
Dame (9pm)
A USF win here will
leave no doubt in the selection committee to put them in the tournament, but
the Fighting Irish love to play a slow game and solid defense, just like the
Bulls. Expect they do it much better.
Tsaasify Nod: Notre
Dame.
Semi-finals (3/9)
Pitt vs Syracuse (7pm)
The Orange will have
none of the Pitt resurgence and bring that stout 2-3 zone to end the
Panthers' run. Plus, PItt will be tired from playing the past three days. Their
legs won't have the push they need to shoot and beat the zone.
Tsaasify Nod: Syracuse
Notre Dame vs. Marquette
(9pm)
Yes, the Irish beat the
Golden Eagles at South Bend. Don't expect that to happen again. This will be a
clash in style that even fashion designers would have say something [this
line is terrible]. Notre Dame will slow the game down to a crawl, and
Marquette will run and run and run until Notre Dame can't run anymore. Then
they will run some more. This may just be the best game of the tournament.
Overtime worthy too!
Tsaasify Nod: Marquette
Championship Game (3/10)
Marquette vs. Syracuse
(9pm)
If you have invested the
time to watch most of this tournament, you will not miss the championship game
against the Orange and the Golden Eagles. Last second shot to win the Big East?
I feel it in my bones. Great drama to finish the best tournament.
Tsaasify Nod: Marquette
Will I be right in my
predictions? I give myself a 50% chance.
I will be making my
bracket next week. If my dedicated readers wish to see how they hold up against
Brother Saas #2, you are more than welcome. I will post more on that once the
invites are determined.
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