Conference Tournament Previews: Big East
By Zach Berman
Tuesday, March 10, 2009; Page E07Favorite
Pittsburgh 
Pittsburgh has dominated the Big East tournament this decade, which gives the Panthers the edge in a field when top-seeded Louisville and Connecticut could each claim supremacy. Pittsburgh has reached the final in seven of the last eight Big East tournaments, and the Panthers won the championship last season. Sam Young could be the first player to win consecutive MVPs since Georgetown's Patrick Ewing in 1984 and 1985.
Dark Horse
Notre Dame Notre Dame entered the season with high expectations, but a difficult Big East schedule hurt the team during the conference schedule. The Fighting Irish can score with any team in the Big East. Its NCAA tournament aspirations depend on what happens in New York, where the Irish can build a following if they can reach the third day.
Needs a Win
Providence In his first season at Providence, Coach Keno Davis has the Friars on the verge of the NCAA tournament. The Friars finished 10-8 in the Big East's regular season, including a win over Pittsburgh. That might not be enough, though, which is why a win or two in New York will help their case.
On the Hot Seat
Jerry Wainwright, Connecticut Jerry Wainwright has just one winning season in his four seasons since returning to his native Chicago to coach DePaul. The Blue Demons are winless in the Big East, and their margin of defeat has been in single digits just five times in 18 games. DePaul might be a tough job in the 16-team Big East, but Chicago is a fertile recruiting area.
Player to Watch
A.J. Price, Connecticut Although the Big East is loaded with stars, watch U-Conn. guard A.J. Price as his eventful career winds down. Price suffered a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, a season-ending suspension and a career-altering knee injury during five years with the Huskies. He must now replace fellow guard Jerome Dyson to complete a successful final chapter of his college career.
Did You Know?
This is the first season since the Big East expansion that all 16 teams will play in the Big East tournament. The top four teams receive two byes.
Schedule
Today's First Round
Cincinnati vs. DePaul, Noon
Georgetown vs. St. John's, 2:30
Notre Dame vs. Rutgers, 7
Seton Hall vs. South Florida, 9:30
Tomorrow's Second Round
Providence vs. Cincinnati-DePaul, Noon
Marquette vs. Georgetown-St. John's, 2:30
West Virginia vs. Notre Dame-Rutgers, 7
Syracuse vs. Seton Hall-South Florida, 9:30
Thursday's Quarterfinals
Louisville vs. Providence-Cincinnati-DePaul, Noon
Villanova vs. Marquette-Georgetown-St. John's, 2:30
Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia-Notre Dame-Rutgers, 7
Connecticut vs. Syracuse-Seton Hall-USF, 9:30
Friday's Semifinals
Thursday afternoon winners, 7
Thursday evening winners, 9:30
Saturday's Championship
Semifinal winners, 9
Cincinnati vs. DePaul, Noon
Georgetown vs. St. John's, 2:30
Notre Dame vs. Rutgers, 7
Seton Hall vs. South Florida, 9:30
Tomorrow's Second Round
Providence vs. Cincinnati-DePaul, Noon
Marquette vs. Georgetown-St. John's, 2:30
West Virginia vs. Notre Dame-Rutgers, 7
Syracuse vs. Seton Hall-South Florida, 9:30
Thursday's Quarterfinals
Louisville vs. Providence-Cincinnati-DePaul, Noon
Villanova vs. Marquette-Georgetown-St. John's, 2:30
Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia-Notre Dame-Rutgers, 7
Connecticut vs. Syracuse-Seton Hall-USF, 9:30
Friday's Semifinals
Thursday afternoon winners, 7
Thursday evening winners, 9:30
Saturday's Championship
Semifinal winners, 9
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