Big East Tournament 2009

The Big East Tournament determines the Big East Conference winner and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Since the 1980s the Big East Tournament has been held in New York’s Madison Square Garden. In the 2009 Big East Tournament there will be 16 teams taking part – rather than the normal 12. The Big East Tournament is the longest running college basketball tournament. The Georgetown basketball team has won the tournament the most times, including the 2008 tournament.

The Big East Tournament 2009 gets underway on Tuesday, with the bottom eight teams having the tough task of winning five games to win the conference title. The teams that finished five to eight start playing their games on Wednesday, while the top four teams start on Thursday.

Play opens on Tuesday with the Chicago DePaul Blue Demons against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Playing for one seeds in the NCAAs: Louisville, Pittsburgh, Connecticut
Louisville have won their last seven games. Pittsburgh beat UConn for the second time this season on Saturday, so they will be feeling confident and are in for a good chance. The Huskies’ have only incurred two losses in 2009, one of them being to Pittsburgh – so they will be looking to get some revenge.

Playing for NCAA seeding: Villanova, Marquette, Syracuse, West Virginia
Dante Cunningham may be Villanova’s secret power. Marquette is still sulking from the loss of Dominic James due to a broken foot. The Golden Eagles have lost their last four games. Syracuse have won their last four games. West Virginia have lost ten games, however, eight losses being against top 25 ranking teams.

West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh promises to be the most fascinating match as rivalry between the two schools runs very deep.

Tickets for the Big East Tournament 2009 are still available – however, some are selling for up to $3000. Tickets have sold fast because the Big East Tournament is so spectacular to watch as teams play so fiercely.