Big East digest- Tourney Time!!!

Hello again everyone, Mike T with the Big East digest, and Tuesday afternoon the Big East Tournament will get underway at Madison Square Garden. I am on a roll with my picks, going 3-0 on Saturday. Before I get into my picks, a couple thoughts on Championship Week going on all over the nation:

- VCU is dancing again after thumping George Mason 71-50 to claim their 2nd CAA title in 3 years. With star Eric Maynor and soon-to-be star Larry Sanders (18 pts, 20 rebs and 7 blks) leading the charge, VCU will be a tough out for anybody.

- If Siena doesnt get the auto bid from the MAAC (and at the time I'm typing this the game is still going on), they should get an at-large bid. You don't go 16-2 with an RPI of 24 and a strength of schedule at 65 and not get in in my opinion. Same goes with St Mary's if they dont beat Gonzaga in the WCC final (also being played as I write- I pick good timing). ST Mary's has an RPI of 45 and has 25 wins.

Alright onto the Big East first Round- when you look at the mathcups you can see why all the games are on http://www.bigeast.tv/ and not espn.

Noon- (9) Cincinnati vs. (16) DePaul:

- No way Cincy loses this game. They will move on to face #8 Providence on Wednesday afternoon. Expect a big game from a guy mentioned here often, Deonta Vaughn.

2pm- (13) St John's vs. (12) Georgetown:

- What? how is Georgetown playing on Tuesday? Weren't they a preseason Top 10 team? The only game that I'm shocked ESPN didnt take based purely on name value, it's a rematch of a game last week won in OT by the Johnnies. In it The Hoyas blew a big lead late and folded in OT. I think it happens again, look out for a big game from Paris Horne of the Johnnies. He's the lone bright spot in a dark year. St John's will move on to face #5 Marquette on Wednesday afternoon.

7pm- (15) Rutgers vs. (10) Notre Dame:

- Why is Notre Dame here?!?! They were a top 10 team too!!! Oh well. Mike Brey and the irish shouldn't have any problems with Mike Rosario-er Rutgers. Then again, they were supposed to be really good and they're headed for the NIT at best. Notre Dame will move on to face #7 West Virginia on Wednesday night.

9pm- (14) USF vs. (11) Seton Hall:

- Congrats to Stan Heath and the Bulls for showing up to MSG for the first time ever. However you are only here because everyone is going. The Pirates are led by 3rd team all Big East selection Jeremy Hazell, but dont overlook Eugene Harvey or Robert Mitchell, both of whom average in double digits. I like Seton Hall here. The Pirates will move on to face #6 Syracuse on Wednesday at 9pm.

One more thing I noticed before I say goodbye: If Syracuse were to go all the way and get to the title game on Saturday, they would have played at 9pm their whole way through. The title game? 9pm tip. Does the Big East not like the Orange? jeez.

Alright everyone, I will be back on Tuesday night with a look towards the 2nd round. Until then, have fun.

- Mike T