Looking Ahead to the Weekend

A huge weekend ahead in the Big East. It’s the second to last weekend of the regular season, and there are quite a few important games. I thought I’d take a look at them each, giving a preview and a prediction. (My WVU predictions have been as wrong as can be lately so put stock in these at your own risk!)

2/27- Pitt @ St. John’s (12 P.M.) — For as well as the Panthers (21-7, 10-5) had been playing lately, Wednesday’s performance at Notre Dame made many continue to wonder just how good they are. Pitt was never competitive and was severely out-rebounded by the much less physical Fighting Irish. The Panthers are usually the aggressor, and maybe it was a lack of focus considering the Fighting Irish were without All-American Luke Harangody, but the Panthers were all sorts out of sync. Pitt needs a strong response tomorrow against a St. John’s team that has played better in February. The Red Storm dropped a heartbreaker at the buzzer to Marquette in their last contest. The Red Storm (15-12, 5-10) can guarantee themselves a winning record for postseason play consideration with a win tomorrow.

Prediction- Pitt: 64 St. John’s: 58

2/27- Notre Dame @ Georgetown (12 P.M.) — Harangody will again likely sit out for the Fighting Irish with an injured knee. However, Notre Dame proved it can’t be taken lightly with Wednesday’s 15-point squashing of Pitt. Although Harangody’s absence is a tremendous loss, the Fighting Irish have seen their role players step up more in his absence. Tomorrow’s test is about as tough as they come in the league. For Notre Dame (18-10, 7-8) it represents an opportunity to perhaps work its way into the NCAA Tournament with a win. Georgetown (19-7, 9-6) put an end to a recent slide with Tuesday’s impressive win at Louisville. The Hoyas go for two in row against ND and look to stay in consideration for a double-bye in the conference tournament.

Prediction- Georgetown: 77 Notre Dame: 72

2/27- Cincinnati @ West Virginia (2 P.M.) — Bob Huggins goes for his first career win in three tries against the program he turned into a national power. The Bearcats (16-11, 7-8) need a resume enhancing victory, and a win in the WVU Coliseum would certainly represent one. The Mountaineers (21-6, 10-5) are fighting to remain a top 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and earn the double-bye at the Big East Tournament. Free throw shooting has been a major issue for both of these teams, who each rebound the ball extremely well. If we get to see anything half as good as this during the game, it’ll be worthwhile to watch.

Prediction- West Virginia: 68 Cincinnati: 57

2/27- DePaul @ Rutgers (4 P.M.) — Not much to say about this one. The Scarlet Knights (14-14, 4-11) have played  better basketball recently and tomorrow’s game presents an opportunity to keep realistic hope alive for a winning record. The Blue Demons (8-19, 1-14) are looking for just their second conference regular season win in the last two years. They lost an earlier battle with Rutgers this season by four points. Don’t expect a better outcome this time around.

Prediction- Rutgers: 73 DePaul: 64

2/27- Providence @ South Florida (7 P.M.) — Quite a disappointing year for the Friars and it all really started with this. Providence (12-15, 4-11) should be somewhat excited at an opportunity for revenge, but who really knows? USF, meanwhile, has to win get keep any hope alive for a berth into the field of 65. The Bulls (16-11, 6-9) have lost consecutive games and need at least three more wins for any type of serious consideration. The first should come tomorrow.

Prediction- USF: 78 Providence: 75

2/27- Villanova @ Syracuse (9 P.M.) — Over 34,000 will be on hand for the largest on campus crowd in college basketball history. Each of them should expect a dandy between a pair of top 10 teams. The Orange (26-2, 13-2) can clinch the Big East regular season title with a victory, but it won’t be easy. Villanova (23-4, 12-3) has the quick, steady guard play necessary to give SU’s 2-3 zone issues. Both teams have no problem getting out in transition, but I think that type of game slightly favors the Wildcats. The ‘Cuse leads the country in field goal percentage, but Nova’s depth at guard and ability to create in transition gives them a slight edge in my eyes.

Prediction- Villanova: 80 Syracuse: 75

2/28- Marquette @ Seton Hall (12 P.M.) — Possibly the biggest bubble game of them all this weekend. The Golden Eagles are coming off a miraculous win discussed above, while the Pirates defeated rival Rutgers Tuesday night. The Golden Eagles (18-9, 9-6) are in better position of the two, but they are far from a lock just yet. Two more wins would likely seal the deal, however. Seton Hall (16-10, 7-8) needs three more wins for any consideration. With a healthy Jeremy Hazell, the Pirates get the edge at home.

Prediction- Seton Hall: 81 Marquette: 76

2/28- Louisville @ Connecticut (2 P.M.) — Not a bad league when Louisville travels to Stoors and it’s not even considered a possibility as the game of the week. That’s life in the Big East though. The Cardinals (18-10, 9-6) become an NCAA Tournament lock with a win at UConn, while the Huskies (17-11, 7-8) take a giant step closer to earning their own berth in the big dance with a win. The way Connecticut’s backcourt of Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson has played lately gives them a great shot in just about any game.

Prediction- Connecticut: 72 Louisville: 66