---

Big East Tournament schedule, predictions and overview as one of the nation’s top conference tourneys lights up Madison Square Garden.

---

While those Scalawags from the ACC are setting up shop across the bridge at Barclays in Brooklyn, the grandest show in New York still takes place at Madison Square Garden for the Big East Tournament. A smaller conference for sure, but the Big East Tournament is an institution. And given the depth of this year’s league, it should be as competitive as ever.

Below is the Big East Tournament schedule, as well as predictions for the event.

Big East Tournament Schedule

Wednesday, March 8 (First Round)

No. 9 Georgetown vs. No. 8 St. John’s – 7:00 p.m.
No. 10 DePaul vs. No. 7 Xavier – 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 9 (Quarterfinals)

Game 1 winner vs. No. 1 Villanova – 12:00 p.m.
No. 5 Seton Hall vs. No. 4 Marquette – 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 winner vs. No. 2 Butler – 7:00 p.m.
No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 3 Providence – 9:30 p.m.

Friday, March 10 (Semifinals)

Game 3 winnner vs. Game 4 winner – 6:30 p.m.
Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner – 9:30 p.m.

Championship – Saturday, March 11

Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner – 5:30 p.m.

Big East Tournament Predictions

Everything obviously starts with the defending champs. Villanova is one of the most balanced teams in the nation, and in the catbird seat for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That said, the Wildcats haven’t been infallible in conference, as Butler has Nova’s number.

Speaking of Butler, the Bulldogs have a lot at stake in the Big East Tournament. A strong run will position the Bulldogs for a No. 3 or 4 seed. Win the tourney and beat Villanova for the third time on the year, and a very strong case will be made to bump Butler up to a No. 2. To get there, Butler will have to get by a plucky Creighton squad that’s angling to cement a decent March Madness seed.

Ultimately, the country will get the game it deserves in Butler-Villanova. The lights of the Garden will outshine the new kids in town, and the Wildcats will exorcise their demons with an overtime title game victory over the Bulldogs.

WATCH: Marcus Paige Still Haunted By Title Game Loss To Villanova