Day one of the 2019 Big East Tournament was about as exciting as you could expect it to be, with two play-in style games. One-point underdog Providence throttled Butler by 23 points, while St. John’s held off DePaul for a single-digit victory at MSG on Wednesday night. Day two shows much more promise, with twice as many games that should be great to tune in to.
Quarterfinal 1
Who: No. 8 Providence vs. No. 1 Villanova
When: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
Watch: Fox Sports 1
Preview: The Wildcats should have no major issues handling Providence. However, the Friars are coming off a thrashing of Butler. The momentum that will carry on from this could be dangerous if Villanova isn’t on their A-game. Paschall will need to secure boards to prevent Providence from getting excessive second-chance points. If Providence wants to win, they will have to score. Once again, this puts pressure on guard Alpha Diallo to perform.
Prediction: Villanova defeats Providence 79-66
Quarterfinal 2
Who: No. 5 Creighton vs. No. 4 Xavier
When: Thursday, March 14 at 2:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
Watch: Fox Sports 1
Preview: These are both teams that have seen brighter days, but are still looking to show that they are no joke. Ty-Shon Alexander will be vital to a seed-based Blue Jays upset over Xavier, despite Creighton being heavily favored according to ESPN’s BPI. Xavier will need to capitalize on scoring down low, and do it often as we have seen Creighton play really solid basketball at times.
Prediction: Creighton defeats Xavier 77-70
Quarterfinal 3
Who: No. 7 St. John’s vs. No. 2 Marquette
When: Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
Watch: Fox Sports 1
Preview: Marquette sure found a bad time of the year to start sliding. The Golden Eagles lost their last four consecutive regular-season games, an end to what has yet been a fantastic season for this team. Howard will have to be more consistent with the shots he takes, and avoid temptation to throw up low-percentage heaves. Sam Hauser’s three-ball, along with Theo John’s inside presence will play a large factor in the outcome. St. John’s guard Mustapha Heron stepped up by leading the squad in scoring and rebounding in Wednesday’s win against DePaul. The Johnnies will need all-around efficiency to knock off the favorite Golden Eagles.
Prediction: Marquette defeats St. John’s 80-74
Quarterfinal 4
Who: No. 6 Georgetown vs. No. 3 Seton Hall
When: Thursday, March 14 at 9:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
Watch: Fox Sports 1
Preview: Georgetown freshman star James Akinjo is coming fresh off of an award-worthy regular season, and is looking to show the world what he’s made under the bright lights at the Garden. Despite limited use of Jessie Govan early in their game Saturday, the Hoyas managed to upset a talented Marquette team on the road. Govan will be the key to the Hoyas advancing to the next round. This Seton Hall team is fired up and clinging on for dear life in regards to an NCAA at-large bid. They will fight tooth and nail to show the committee that they deserve a spot, as the namesake duo of Myles Powell and Myles Cale will lead the charge.
Prediction: Seton Hall defeats Georgetown 64-59
Images via: Marquette Wire (cover), VU Hoops (Paschall), GoCreighton (Alexander), Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Howard), Seton Hall Athletics (Cale)
