After some great action yesterday and a 3-1 start by myself, we are off and running in Day 2 of the Big East Tournament.
Uconn, proved that they intend to defend their Conference title with Jeremy Lamb scoring 25 points, in the victory over Depaul. Pittsburgh, certainly proved me wrong and shown they are not ready to give up post-season hopes yet, with a win over St. Johns. Seton Hall may have been the most impressive team, defeating Providence by 32 points. Providence defeated Louisville by 30 points nearly two months ago, in New Jersey. Lastly, Villanova upset Rutgers and advanced to the 2nd round. (Never thought I'd say that).
Here are my picks for Day 2:
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, Second Round
Noon No. 9 Connecticut vs No. 8 West Virginia
Tis a shame that this game is at 12pm, It will probably be the best game thus far. Connecticut, looks like a team that may have found their 'mojo'. They are playing for seeding at this point, as I think they are safely in. That being said, West Virginia has struggled as of late. The Huskies have just got Jim Calhoun back on the sideline, and are playing with a lot of momentum. I think Uconn will continue their hot shooting and pull out a squeaker. Huskies by 2
2pm No. 13 Pittsburgh vs No. 5 Georgetown
Pittsburgh surprised me yesterday with a victory over St.Johns. Sadly, I'll have to pick against Jamie Dixon and the Panthers again. Pittsburgh simply doesn't have enough dogs to run with Georgetown. Not to mention, I think Georgetown will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Georgetown by 20
7pm No. 10 Seton Hall vs No. 7 Louisville
Both teams certainly need this game. Seton Hall sets squarely on the bubble, although I believe they may have punched their ticket yesterday. Louisville comes in losing, 3 out of their last 5 and have failed to score over 60 in the last 4 games. Offense has been at a premium. In the last match-up, Louisville came out of Seton Hall with an ugly 70-62 win. Seton Hall will attempt to run with the Cards, which should help jumpstart the Louisville offense. If Louisville can simply just shot mediocre, they should win comfortably. However, we know that's easier said than done for this Cardinals team. Louisville by 7
9pm No. 14 Villanova vs No.6 South Florida
Jay Wright's Wildcats surprised a few yesterday with their victory over Rutgers, now they try to do the same to South Florida. I think they will. Villanova, knows to get into the tourney, they have to take the crown in MSG. I personally, think they are going to make a good run at it. South Florida will try to slow down the game, and I think they will have success early. But Villanova will be able to get out on the break in 2nd half, allowing them to pull away late. Guard Maalik Wayns will be key for Villanova. Watch the Wildcats. Villanova by 8
