Defending national champion Villanova fell just short in the Big East tournament last year. However, the Wildcats are the big favorites to claim the crown this time around. Will they seal the deal or can some other contender upset the national champs?
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2017 Big East Tournament Preview and Prediction
Favorites
Villanova Wildcats (-120)
It should be considered an outright failure if Villanova somehow manages to not win the Big East tournament. The defending national champions have been head and shoulders above every other team in the conference this season. But for some reason, they just haven’t been able to solve Butler, which swept the regular season series against the Wildcats.
Although, with all the talent at their disposal – Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Kris Jenkins – you’d still have to fancy Nova to make the third time the charm if they meet again in the final.
Butler Bulldogs (+200)
Despite their regular season finale loss to Seton Hall, the Bulldogs have their groove back thanks to four wins in a row, including that big win over Nova in Philly. Kelan Martin has been instrumental in their late-season run, with the junior forward averaging 20 points and 7.6 rebounds over his last five games to rebound from a disastrous midseason slump. When he’s right and capable of producing offense, the Bulldogs have shown they can beat anyone in the conference.
Sleeper
Marquette Golden Eagles (+1,000)
Who wants to play this Marquette team right now? Seriously. Wojo’s boys have won four of their last five, and have put up 90-plus points in their last three wins. Marquette was the only other Big East team besides Butler to beat Villanova this season, and will face the Wildcats if they make it to the semifinals. For anyone looking for a massive payout, the Golden Eagles may just be your golden opportunity.
Long Shot
Georgetown Hoyas (+2,500)
With seven losses in their last eight games, the Hoyas will be in the absolute pits confidence-wise heading into the tournament. They’re most likely not going to win the conference championship; they might not even make it into the second round over St. John’s. But with John Thompson III most likely coaching for his job, the Hoyas could be in full desperation mode in the tournament, which could be a dangerous team to face.
Complete Tournament Odds for Big East
| Villanova (-120) | Butler (+200) |
|---|---|
| Creighton (+500) | Marquette (+1,000) |
| Xavier (+1,000) | Seton Hall (+2,000) |
| Georgetown (+2,500) | Providence (+2,800) |
| St. John’s (+6,000) | DePaul (+15,000) |
Writer’s Prediction
Marquette (+1,000) outduels Villanova again en route to a shock tournament title.
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