Big East Conference Notebook
by Jesse Ullmann and Pat DiSalvo
1. Pittsburgh Panthers (8-1 Big East, 20-3 Overall)
Up Next: Wednesday at West Virginia at 7:30 p.m., Saturday vs. Providence at 6 p.m. (ESPN)
Pittsburgh has rebounded with three straight wins after a late January loss to Marquette. The Panthers enjoyed a big 65-59 victory against a hot Villanova team, giving Pitt 20 wins for the sixth straight season – a school record. The win also boosted the team to an 8-1 start in the Big East for the first time in history. Aaron Gray posted another double-double and sophomore Levance Fields poured in 20 points in the victory.
The Panthers have not been pretty at times but are playing solid defense – ranked fourth in the conference at 61.2 points allowed per game. Pitt is still the frontrunner in the Big East as it has been since the beginning of conference play. But the Panthers have two tough games in the upcoming week.
2. Marquette Golden Eagles (7-2 Big East, 20-4 Overall)
Up Next: Wednesday vs. Rutgers at 9 p.m., Saturday at Georgetown at noon (ESPN)
After two straight losses in early January, the Golden Eagles have righted the ship and are on a tear in the Big East. Marquette has rattled off seven straight wins, including three wins against ranked teams. The squad avenged an early season loss against Providence with a win vs. the Friars Saturday. Jerel McNeal had a monster game with 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. McNeal and junior Dan Fitzgerald – who hit four three-pointers – helped pick up the slack for Dominic James. The Golden Eagles leading scorer notched only six points on 2-of-11 shooting.
Marquette only trails Pitt in the conference standings by one game. Things looked bleak after an 0-2 conference start, but Marquette now seems to be the class of the Big East, and is skyrocketing in the national rankings, too.
3. Georgetown Hoyas (6-2 Big East, 16-5 Overall)
Up Next: Wednesday at Louisville at 7 p.m. (ESPN), Saturday vs. Marquette at Noon (ESPN).
Things finally seem to be coming together for the Georgetown Hoyas. The preseason Big East frontrunner has run off five straight wins, albeit against some of the weaker conference squads. Jeff Green has started to heat up as the winning streak has continued, notching 19, 17 and 24 points in three consecutive games. Junior point guard Jonathan Wallace has continued to help the Hoyas as he had done through their rough stretches, scoring in double figures for four straight games.
Georgetown will need to keep up with their solid defense, which is currently the best in the Big East allowing 55.8 points per game, to get through their next stretch of games. The Hoyas have a brutal stretch run in-conference, with Pittsburgh, Marquette, West Virginia, Villanova, Syracuse and Connecticut still on the schedule.
4. West Virginia Mountaineers (7-3 Big East, 18-4 Overall)
Up Next: Wednesday vs. Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m., Saturday vs. UCLA at 1 p.m. (CBS).
It’s easy to look at West Virginia and credit their great season so far to an easy schedule. Although you can’t blame West Virginia for winning games they should, the team’s true mettle will show in a brutal and pivotal three game stretch. Thankfully for the young Mountaineers, the No. 6 (Pitt) and 2 (UCLA) ranked teams visit Morgantown.
Balance continues to be West Virginia’s forte. Frank Young leads the team with 14.5 points per game, and three other players average double figures. That includes freshman Da’Sean Butler, a Newark, N.J., product who scorched both Rutgers and Seton Hall this past week for 17 and 21 points respectively. The Mountaineers are also continuing the trend that has brought them success in the past few years, leading the Big East with 231 three-point baskets.
With three straight games against ranked teams, West Virginia’s fate between being a bubble team and a tourney lock could be decided soon.
5. Louisville Cardinals (6-3 Big East, 16-7 Overall)
Up Next: Wednesday vs. Georgetown at 7 p.m. (ESPN), Saturday vs. South Florida at 3 p.m.
Louisville came into Villanova Saturday as winners of six of their last seven games. Although the team has played much better of late, it suffered a setback as Nova won 57-53. All four of the usual Louisville double-figure scorers scored less than 10 points. David Padgett, Terrence Williams, Edgar Sosa and Juan Palacios combined for only 24 points. The Cardinals also were out-rebounded 42-27.
Focusing on the bright side, the Cardinals have already reached last year’s Big East win total with seven conference games remaining. The team still has to play the conference’s top three teams, but obvious progress has been made. The Cardinals might just sneak into the tournament if a few breaks go their way.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-4 Big East, 18-5 Overall)
Up Next: Thursday at DePaul at 7 p.m. (ESPN), 3/15 vs. Providence at 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Irish basketball is playing second fiddle in South Bend with football mania taking over right now. But the Irish, having spent nine weeks in the national poll, are in danger of falling out.
Despite averaging a league high 82.5 points per contest, Notre Dame is struggling, having now dropped games to South Florida and St. John’s after starting conference play as the hottest team in the league. The Irish lived up to their offensive billing with a scorching 103-point performance at the Carrier Dome in what turned out to be a 12-point victory, 103-91. They finished one point shy of a league record for points in a half with 61. All five Irish starters notched double figures vs. Syracuse, led by center Luke Harangody’s 21 points. Notre Dame hit 11 three-pointers — four apiece from Russell Carter and Colin Falls — and connected on 33-of-36 from the free throw line.
Things did not go Notre Dame’s way at the Sun Dome taking on South Florida. In a sign of weakness, the Irish dropped their fourth of five road games so far this season in Big East play, falling 69-63 to the Bulls despite 26 points from Falls.
7. Syracuse Orange (5-5 Big East, 16-8 Overall)
Up Next: Sunday vs. St. John’s at 2 p.m.
It’s just about time to panic in central New York. That’s right. Even with six games left, the Orange are on the outside looking in, and if things don’t change soon, they’ll need another miracle Big East tournament run to make the NCAA Tournament.
Syracuse has lost four of five games, including late collapses against St. John’s, Louisville and Connecticut. The team has talent but lacks the ability to finish games, and it struggles especially with decision-making. Sophomore Eric Devendorf has made a habit of late game turnovers and defensive lapses, and the team is playing sloppy with 70 turnovers in the past five games. The problems continued Monday as Connecticut rattled off a late 13-3 run, and the Orange had only five assists.
It’s time for the Orange to turn things around now. If the team doesn’t, it may soon be time to snag some tickets to a first-round NIT game at the Dome.
8. Providence Friars (4-4 Big East, 14-7 Overall)
Up Next: Saturday at Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. (ESPN), 2/15 at Notre Dame at 7 p.m. (ESPN)
With two games against St. John’s, a meeting with South Florida and a home contest entertaining Big East bottom-feeder Cincinnati, the Friars should ride comfortably into the Big East Tournament. Providence ran into trouble, however, this past week facing the new streaking league team in Marquette — it was Notre Dame. Herbert Hill, who leads the league in scoring in conference play, was one of only two Providence players to score in double figures. Hill finished with 14 points while guard Sharaud Curry posted a team-high 17. The Friars have dropped just two home games this season and will look to avenge a heartbreaking two-point loss last season to Cincinnati at the Dunk.
9. Villanova Wildcats (4-5 Big East, 15-7 Overall)
Up Next: Tuesday vs. St. Joseph’s at 7 p.m. (ESPN2), Saturday at Seton Hall at Noon
It’s getting down to the nitty-gritty for Villanova.
Nova snapped a two-game losing streak with a win Saturday vs. Louisville. Although scorching freshman Scottie Reynolds struggled from the field, he dished out 10 assists. Sophomore Shane Clark scored 12 points off the bench, and Mike Nardi and Curtis Sumpter scored 11 and 10 points respectively.
Against the upper echelon teams, such as Notre Dame and Pittsburgh, the Wildcats have struggled. Villanova lost to both teams, only by a combined nine points, but need signature wins to boost what are a relatively weak tournament résumé and a poor conference rank. The Wildcats will get a crack at such victories when they play Georgetown and Marquette in the upcoming weeks.
10. DePaul Blue Demons (4-6 Big East, 13-11 Overall)
Up Next: Thursday vs. Notre Dame at 7 p.m. (ESPN)
DePaul has started to fall off the map, losing four of five, and staring three tough games in the face. The Blue Demons, who lost at Syracuse 75-69 Saturday, still have to play Notre Dame twice and Marquette once. The team has a lot of talent. It defeated Connecticut last week and nearly mounted a mammoth comeback against Syracuse.
But the Blue Demons seemingly can’t get over the hump. Guard Draelon Burns has scored 26 points in two straight games, and Sammy Mejia and Wilson Chandler are two skilled players. The team struggles to consistently score, ranking 12th in overall Big East offense. DePaul also ranks dead last in shooting 63 percent from the free throw line. The Blue Demons just can’t put everything together offensively at the same time.
11. Connecticut Huskies (4-6, 15-8)
Up Next: Sunday at Georgia Tech at 1 p.m. (CBS), Wednesday vs. Seton Hall at 7:30 p.m.
In a rematch of the 2004 national championship game, Connecticut travels to take on Georgia Tech Sunday at the Georgia Dome – site of this year’s Final Four. That game will mean little because the Huskies need to focus on winning conference games just to make the trip to New York City next month. Ten days ago, Connecticut had fallen to 13th in the conference and was 2-6. The current situation isn’t much better, but the bulk of the tough schedule is complete.
Behind some clutch shooting from Marcus Johnson and A.J. Price Monday night, the Huskies were able to pull out a 67-60 victory vs. rival Syracuse. Not one Husky specifically stood out but it was a well-balanced attack and a good win in general for Connecticut.
With Adrian Hill, Ollie Bailey and Hamady N’Diaye on the bench having fouled out for Rutgers, the Huskies looked flummoxed this past Saturday. Against a Scarlet Knight squad that is much weaker than in recent years, Connecticut afforded the Knights multiple opportunities to take this game away. The Huskies prevailed, though, winning by 11 in overtime, 61-50.
12. Saint John’s Red Storm (4-6 Big East, 13-10 Overall)
Up Next: Sunday at Syracuse at 2 p.m., 2/15 vs. Rutgers at 7:30 p.m.
Norm Roberts had put the cards on the table. He gave freshman Qa’rron Calhoun a starting spot Sunday in a road game at Cincinnati. Calhoun took full advantage, posting a career-high 18 points, and the Red Storm picked up their first league road win of the season, defeating the Bearcats 73-64. Big man Lamont Hamilton was a prefect 7-of-7 from the line and finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. He was one of three Johnnies to post double figures in scoring as the team shot an impressive 63.2 percent from the floor in the second half. Anthony Mason Jr. dislocated a finger in his non-shooting hand but is not expected to miss time.
A Feb. 25 meeting at the Garden with Duke could be looked upon one of two ways. From one position, it is absolutely disastrous. It’s the second-to-last game of the season for the Red Storm right before they entertain Providence to end the regular season. That game could determine a bid between the two schools for the final tournament spot.
On the other hand, Duke is down right now. If St. John’s picks up a win vs. Duke and then beats Providence to secure a berth in the tournament, the Red Storm could replicate what Syracuse was able to pull off last year.
13. Seton Hall Pirates (3-6 Big East, 12-10 Overall)
Up Next: Saturday vs. Villanova at 12 p.m., Wednesday at Connecticut at 7:30 p.m.
After their longest losing skid of the season, dropping three in a row, the Pirates rebounded with a win against a bad Princeton team. Looking to build momentum as they jumped back into conference play in hosting West Virginia Saturday night, Bobby Gonzalez and crew had major problems against the Mountaineers’ style of play and half-court motion. A 15-point first-half deficit was a hole too deep to dig out of for Seton Hall, and the result was an 81-70 loss in East Rutherford.
With just seven games left on tap for the Hall, you can be assured the last person who would ever have his team lay down is Gonzo. A bid for the Big East Tournament is still somewhat attainable, with remaining games at home against South Florida and a trip to Big East bottom-feeder Cincinnati. The Pirates still have to go to Storrs but will face a weak Connecticut team. In addition, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Villanova still loom. The reality is it will be difficult this year for Seton Hall to make the Big East Tournament.
14. South Florida Bulls (3-6 Big East, 12-11 Overall)
Up Next: Saturday at Louisville at 3 p.m., Wednesday vs. Syracuse at 7 p.m.
The Bulls seem to be doing this once a month now. Last time, it was Wake Forest who came up on the tail end of things vs. the Bulls. The latest casualty was Notre Dame, an even bigger win for South Florida seeing that Rob McCullum and crew, as opposed to last year’s tragic inaugural season, are now officially vying for a trip to New York City. The Big East is down a little this year, and the benefactor could end up being South Florida. Home games against DePaul, Providence and Syracuse help, and they have winnable away games at Seton Hall, St. John’s and the Blue Demons again.
In South Florida’s 69-63 win vs. the Irish, senior McHugh Mattis matched his career high in points with 23 and exceeded his previous career high in rebounds, notching 16. Mattis is one of the league’s better shot blockers this season, and he’ll look to continue along that path against Lamont Hamilton and the Red Storm in Queens.
15. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-8, 9-14)
Up Next: Saturday vs. Cincinnati at 4p.m., 2/15 at Saint John’s at 7:30 p.m.
Despite three of their key cogs fouling out before the start of overtime, Rutgers was able to keep it close with a weak Connecticut team, playing hard-nosed basketball down the stretch and getting two huge three-pointers by Anthony Farmer to force the extra session. In the overtime, however, the Scarlet Knights offense fizzled, and the Huskies, at home, were able to hold on for an 11-point win, 61-50. Jaron Griffin, a highly touted in-state freshman forward, was coming off a career-high 19-point performance in a loss to West Virginia and followed it up with 18 points vs. the Huskies. Thought to be an immediate addition for Rutgers, Griffin has been somewhat of a disappointment so far. He was expected to play a much bigger role and has struggled with confidence as a freshman.
Adrian Hill has a minor knee injury, which does not bode well because he leads the team in points (12.1 per game) and rebounds (7.3 per game) and posted 18 points and 19 rebounds in a 74-70 win against Seton Hall. Avenging the loss in the first meeting between the two Jersey schools, the win over the Pirates snapped a five-game losing skid. The Knights have now lost seven of eight.
16. Cincinnati Bearcats (1-7, 10-12)
Up Next: Saturday at Rutgers at 4 p.m., Wednesday at Villanova at 9 p.m. (ESPNU)
Now it’s a stretch, but one can’t help but wonder if the Cincinnati people are seething over Kansas State’s success this season under Bobby Huggins. Regardless, Mick Cronin and crew have now lost nine of their last 10 games and are in the midst of one of the worst droughts of any conference team all season. On Sunday, the Wildcats fell to St. John’s 73-64 despite 17 points from freshman guard Deonta Vaughn. Junior forward John Williamson played well on both ends and was partially responsible for forcing 21 Red Storm turnovers in a losing cause. The anemic shooting continued for Cincy, as the team posted a 33 percent clip from the floor. For a team that’s trying to talk Big East Tournament, the Bearcats have now lost tiebreakers to South Florida, St. John’s and also dropped the first of two meetings vs. Rutgers. In what could be a season-on-the-line contest, Cincinnati will look to avenge that loss to the Scarlet Knights Saturday afternoon.
