Everybody’s expecting Villanova (-120) to march into the Big East title game once again. The ‘Cats simply have all the momentum in the world. Aside from being the defending national champs and reaching the tournament final in the last two years, they also showed in the regular season that they haven’t slowed down.
Who’s your pick to win the conference? Is it similar to what the experts have in mind? Read on below to know more!
There’s simply no reason to pick against ‘Nova. They averaged 77.5 PPG and shot 49.6 percent from the field (ninth in the nation), with Josh Hart leading the way by posting impressive numbers of 18.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals on 50.7 percent shooting.
To top it all off, their team defense also reigned in the Big East. They recorded the most steals, gave up the fewest points and rebounds, and allowed the lowest field goal percentage out of any team in the conference.
Coach Jay Wright’s boys are easily one of the most balanced offenses and defenses in the country.
CBS Sports
EXPERT
PICK
Gary Parrish
Villanova
Matt Norlander
Villanova
Jerry Palm
Villanova
Howard Megdal
Villanova
Kyle Boone
Butler
No surprises again. Even Boone’s Butler pick isn’t.
The Bulldogs, as you may remember, swept the season series against Villanova, their best competition on the conference. They held the Wildcats to a combined 41 percent shooting on both games, with Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins collectively going 15-for-46 from the field.
Bleacher Report
EXPERT
PICK
Steve Silverman
Providence
There we go. That’s the surprise pick we want.
The Friars were only 10-8 against the Big East, but thanks to winning their last six contests, they ended the regular season as the hottest team in the conference. It also extra good that two those victories came at the expense of Butler and 23rd-ranked Creighton, who both shot under 44 percent.
Check out our FULL PREVIEW for the 2017 Big East Tournament.
