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Odds to win the Big East Championship Tournament |
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Written by Martin Bishop
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Tuesday, 11 March 2008 |
Depending on what happens Wednesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden, the Big East could send as many as eight teams to this year’s NCAA Tournament. No first round game is bigger than the 8/9 game which pits Villanova against the Syracuse. Most bracketologists believe that the loser of this game will be eliminated from consideration come Selection Sunday. Although some experts believe that West Virginia will definitely hear their name read out on Sunday, they shouldn’t take their opening game lightly considering their top out of conference victory came against University of Maryland Baltimore County. Additionally, only two of their 11 conference wins came against teams that ended up with a winning conference record.
Sportsbook.com Big East Tournament Championship Odds:
 Georgetown, 6-5 - With a 15-3 conference record, the Hoyas were the regular season champs. The Hoyas are a huge physical team led by 7 footer Roy Hibbert and 6’9” forward DaJuan Summers. Just like his father, John Thompson III concentrates on defense. Hoyas opponents managed only 57.3 PPG this season.
Louisville, 11-5 - Coach Pitino’s crew is as talented as any team in the Big East. They are also a very balanced bunch which sees their top four scorers average between 10.4 and 11.7 points per game.
Notre Dame, 5-1 - The football team was a flop this year but the basketball team has been a very pleasant surprise in South Bend. The Irish can kill you either inside and out led by the likely BE POY Luke Harangody (21 pts, 10.3 reb) on the inside and Kyle McAlarney (15 pts, 45% 3pt) on the outside.
Uconn, 5-1 - Hopefully their BE counterparts enjoyed the one year vacation from the Huskies last season as they are right back with the Conference’s elite. 7’3” Center Hasheem Thabeet is a monster in the middle averaging a mind-boggling 4.5 blocks a game.
West Virginia, 10-1 - Coach Huggins better have his boys up for this game as previously mentioned because their 22-9 record and 11-7 in conference are not as impressive once you look at who they actually beat this season.
Syracuse, 12-1 - There is no questioning the talent on this roster; unfortunately, the bench is very thin. Forward Donte Greene and guard Johnny Flynn are two of the best freshmen in the country and sophomore Paul Harris is an absolute beast.
Marquette, 12-1 - The best backcourt in the BE definitely belongs to the Golden Eagles. With Dominic James (13.3 ppg), Jerel McNeal (13.6 ppg) and Wesley Matthews (11.4 pts) leading the way, Marquette can pose match-up problems for many teams in the Big East.
Villanova, 15-1 - The Wildcats had a very up and down season and will need at least one, if not two victories in order to dance. Seldom used Dwayne Anderson has saved the season for Villanova faithful averaging 10 pts and 8 boards since being inserted into the starting lineup nine games ago.
Cincinnati, 30-1
Seton Hall, 30-1
Providence, 40-1
In addition to the Big East odds, be sure to check out Sportsbook.com’s odds on the Big 10, ACC, Big 12, Pac 10 and SEC Tournaments. Also don’t forget to register for the “$40,000 March Madness Handicapping Challenge” and the “$10,000 Bracket Challenge”. Both these prize pools are guaranteed and if someone is skilled enough to fill out a perfect bracket, they will earn $11,000,000; that’s $1,000,000 for every year Sportsbook.com has been in business.
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