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St. John’s, not UConn, is within the driver’s seat at Madison Sq. Backyard this week.
Right here’s every thing that you must know concerning the Massive East event.
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Storylines to observe
Rick Pitino is again
Similar to that, Rick Pitino is again and dominating within the Massive East once more. The Purple Storm clinched their first Massive East title since 1985 whereas climbing into the highest 10. They ended the common season successful 16 of their final 17 video games, with the lone loss coming in a two-point battle at Villanova, they usually survived at Marquette with a wild game-winner in overtime Saturday. No person appeared capable of actually compete with them within the convention slate.
Pitino has led St. John’s to a spot it hasn’t been in a long time. He’s now in a main place to not solely run the Massive East, however contend for a nationwide title as soon as once more in the course of the comeback stage of his profession.
Is UConn’s three-peat try useless?
The Huskies began out the season wanting like a reputable three-peat contender after dominating the game over the past two years. The dream of a 3rd consecutive title, nevertheless, is on life assist.
UConn entered the Massive East event with only a 22-9 document and because the No. 3 seed. The Huskies plummeted out of the nationwide rankings fully in February after struggling a number of dangerous losses, together with twice to St. John’s, and to Xavier, Villanova and Seton Corridor. It’s onerous to depend Dan Hurley and the Huskies out given their current observe document, however the again half of this season has not been variety to UConn. And not using a dominant run at Madison Sq. Backyard this week, it’s going to be onerous to consider it might probably run it again a 3rd time within the NCAA event.
Can Villanova, Xavier make the Insanity?
Each Villanova and Xavier want some assist this week to make the NCAA event. The Wildcats went simply 18-13 this season, although they grabbed large wins over ranked St John’s, UConn and a 15-point blowout over Marquette late within the 12 months. However they’re nonetheless on the skin wanting in coming into the Massive East event. And not using a few strong wins at Madison Sq. Backyard, they may miss the event for the third straight season beneath coach Kyle Neptune — which may very nicely value him his job.
Xavier was in an analogous boat, however misplaced to Marquette in its opener. The Musketeers, after a tough begin to Massive East play, ended the 12 months successful seven straight to get to 21-10 and end tied for fourth within the convention. In addition they beat each UConn and Marquette within the common season, however these are actually their solely large wins.
Massive East event bracket
Find out how to watch the Massive East event
All instances ET
When: Wednesday-Saturday
The place: Madison Sq. Backyard | New York
TV: Peacock, FS1, Fox
Sport schedule:
Wednesday, March 12: First spherical
Sport 1: No. 9 Butler 75, No. 8 Providence 69
Sport 2: No. 10 DePaul 71, No. 7 Georgetown 67
Sport 3: No. 6 Villanova 67, No. 11 Seton Hall 55
Thursday, March 13: Quarterfinals
Sport 4: No. 1 St. John’s 78, No. 9 Butler 57
Sport 5: No. 5 Marquette 89, No. 4 Xavier 87
Sport 6: No. 2 Creighton 85, No. 10 DePaul 81
Sport 7: No. 3 UConn vs. No. 6 Villanova, 9:30 p.m. | FS1
Friday, March 14: Semifinals
Sport 8: No. 1 St. John’s vs. No. 5 Marquette, 6:30 p.m. | Fox
Sport 9: No. 2 Creighton vs. Sport 7 winner, 9 p.m. | Fox
Saturday, March 15
Massive East championship recreation, 6:30 p.m. | Fox
