NEW YORK CITY – Even though the Big East Conference is missing some of the big time schools that made it the top conference for many years, it still has proven to be just as exciting. The Garden was still full of energy, and the tournament did not disappoint with bringing quality basketball to showcase.
Many thought the Big East title would eventually belong to the Villanova Wildcats, and they proved those people right this past weekend. Villanova handily took care of Marquette and Xavier (in the title game). Their semifinal game against Providence however did not come as easily. It wasn’t until the final seconds, when Archie Arcidiacono drew a controversial foul on a drive to the basket. His two clutch free throws put Villanova up 63-61, and helped hold off a strong Providence team.
With a blowout of Xavier in the title game (69-52), and only two losses in the entire season (Seton Hall,Georgetown) it’s not hard to see why the Wildcats drew a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Providence (#6 seed), St. John’s (#9 seed), Georgetown (#4 seed), Xavier (#6 seed), and Butler (#6 seed) also got seeds in the Big Dance this year. With 5 at large bids given to teams in the Big East Conference, there’s a good chance that we could see a Big East team make it to the Final Four.
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