Big East Tournament

It's official. Villanova will play Syracuse in the opening round of the Big East Tournament on Wed. at noon. This is probably Villanova's biggest game of the season because it's a must-win to have any chance of making the NCAA Tournament. The winner will play Georgetown, and if Villanova gets there they would have the opportunity to avenge the controversial loss from back in February. Syracuse (19-12, 9-9) and Villanova (19-11, 9-9) have similar resumes, but Syracuse has the edge with their RPI and Strength of Schedule. Syracuse has an RPI of 45 with a SOS of 7, while Nova has an RPI of 56 and strength of Schedule of 56. The loser of this game will most likely not make the tournament. If Villanova wins, they still may need to beat Georgetown in the second round to secure an at-large bid. That last-second Georgetown call is starting to hurt more and more. It would have given the Wildcats a great road win, but now their best road win is against bubble-mate Syracuse. Here's a look at the Big East Tournament bracket...

FIRST ROUND
Wednesday, March 12
Game 1: No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Syracuse (ESPN, noon)
Game 2: No. 5 West Virginia vs. No. 12 Providence (ESPN, 2:30 p.m.)
Game 3: No. 7 Pittsburgh vs. No. 10 Cincinnati (ESPN, 7 p.m.)
Game 4: No. 6 Marquette vs. No. 11 Seton Hall (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.)
QUARTERFINALS
Thursday, March 13
Game 5: No. 1 Georgetown vs. Game 1 winner (ESPN, noon)
Game 6: No. 4 UConn vs. Game 2 winner (ESPN, 2:30 p.m.)
Game 7: No. 2 Louisville vs. Game 3 winner (ESPN, 7 p.m.)
Game 8: No. 3 Notre Dame vs. Game 4 winner (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.)
SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 14
Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner (ESPN, 7 p.m.)
Game 10: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner (ESPN, 9:30 p.m.)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 15
Game 11: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner (ESPN, 9 p.m.)