Big East tournament: A primer
Syracuse's Kris Joseph dunks against Louisville during the second half. Syracuse won 58-49. (March 3, 2012) Credit: AP
Defending national champion Connecticut (18-12) is right back where it was a year ago as the ninth seed opening Big East Tournament play against DePaul (12-18) at noon Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. But without departed Kemba Walker, there's no chance of duplicating last season's historic run. If there's any magic this season, it likely will be provided by Syracuse (30-1), the nation's No. 2-ranked program and the first team in conference history to finish with one overall loss.
Here's a look at what to expect from the Big East tourney in its 30th anniversary at the Garden:
Some predict as many as nine Big East bids, but in a strong year for mid-majors, seven seems more fair.
This is the Mountaineers' last tourney before Big 12 move; ACC-bound Syracuse and Pitt have 1-2 more.
Name one Bulls player. They spark no interest, a harbinger of things to come with additions of Central Florida, SMU, Houston.
