In a Big East conference projected to send as many as 11 teams to the NCAA Tournament, it goes without saying that the 2011 bracket will be loaded with talent. As the quarterfinals begin in New York City today, the talent will be tested even more.
Big East Tournament 2011 Schedule: Pittsburgh Vs. UConn, St. Johns Vs. Syracuse Highlight Quarterfinals
Top NCAA Tournament contenders including Texas, San Diego State, and projected 1-seed Kansas will all see action today, but none are expected to be challenged. The same can’t be said of the Big East’s top seeds, including consensus No. 1 selection Pitt, which is in very tough against UConn.
For more on the Big East and all of the other action along with a list of the best bracket contests, check out www.oddsshark.com. Without further ado... Here are the games to watch today.
12:00 EST. No. 21 Connecticut Huskies vs. No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers
Projected to be a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament, Pittsburgh would likely lock up that spot with a win in this one. Connecticut’s (23-9) Kemba Walker is one of the most dynamic players in the nation, and he dropped 28 points in the Huskies’ blowout win over Georgetown yesterday. He’ll need to be at his best if Connecticut hopes to upset Pittsburgh (27-4). [ Matchup Report ]
2:30 EST. No. 17 St. John’s Red Storm vs. No. 11 Syracuse Orange
After hitting a 2-6 rough spot early in conference play, Syracuse (25-6) finished up the season with five straight wins, and will look to carry that momentum into today. St. John’s (21-10) will have to be much sharper today than they were against Rutgers, a game that they just squeaked by in. [ Matchup Report ]
7:00 EST No. 25 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame (25-5) was one of the biggest surprises in the nation this year, emerging as an elite team and a potential 1-seed in the Tournament. Like Pittsburgh, they may sway the selection committee with a trip to the Big East’s semifinals. Cincinnati (24-7) will do their best to spoil that plan and help their own seeding along in the process. Bettors have not been impressed with Cincy’s luck against the Irish lately, as they are just 1-5 ATS past six meetings. [ Matchup Report ]
9:30 EST Marquette Golden Eagles vs. No. 14 Louisville Cardinals
If recent history repeats itself today, this game will play UNDER the total as 8 of the past 9 meetings have gone down that way. Down seven at the half, Marquette (20-13) dug deep against West Virginia last night to make a comeback and earn their spot in this game. Louisville (23-8) knows a thing or two about comebacks; in the only meeting between these two teams in the regular season, Louisville overcame an 18-point deficit to win 71-70.
Marquette led 65-47 with under six minutes to go, but managed just two field goals down the stretch in the heart-breaking loss. The Eagles don’t rebound well, which is a concern here. [ Matchup Report ]
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