Anthony Jaskulski, Cincinnati News, Connecticut News, DePaul News, Georgetown News, Louisville News, Marquette News, Notre Dame News, Pittsburgh News, Providence News, Rutgers News, Seton Hall News, St. John's News, Syracuse News, USF News, Villanova News, West Virginia News

BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK NINE

By Anthony Jaskulski                       

Welcome to the final regular season edition of the Big East Stock Report.  Look for the 2009 Big East Tournament special edition Report this Monday, a day before the opening round games tip off at Madison Square Garden.

 *All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1.  Connecticut 27-2, 15-2, Stock: UP

 National Ranking: 1

Last game: W 72-65 vs. Notre Dame

Remaining game: Mar. 7 at Pittsburgh

Current Streak: W 3

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 3

 Strong Point: With 397 career blocks, junior center Hasheem Thabeet is just 44 away from breaking Emeka Okafor’s 441 mark, and all-time best in Connecticut history.  He had eight against Notre Dame Saturday.  He is also at 238 all-time in 51 Big East games, behind just Patrick Ewing (247) for best in Big East history.

 Area of Improvement: Despite shooting a solid 53.4% from the field, Connecticut went an abysmal 2 of 8 (25%) from beyond-the-arc vs. Notre Dame.  They have dropped a third lowest 74 three pointers this year.

 Overall Analysis: After getting a combined 41 points and 20 rebounds from Thabeet and forward Jeff Adrien on Saturday, the Huskies left another message as to why they are one of the most deadliest teams in this league in the paint.  With a +7.1 rebounding margin, and a Big East best rebounding offense of 41.6 points and 13.9 offensive rebounds a game, outscoring 14 of 17 conference opponents in the paint this year, it’s tough to ignore such a message.

2.  Pittsburgh 26-3, 13-3, Stock: Level

 National Ranking: 4

Last game: W 89-78 at Seton Hall

Remaining games: Mar. 4 vs. Marquette, Mar. 7 vs. Connecticut

Current Streak: W 1

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 2

Strong Point: The Panthers humiliated Seton Hall on the boards Saturday, with a 44-21 advantage.  They have a league-leading +11.4 rebounding margin, 28.6 points in rebounding defense and a second best 39 total rebounds per game.  They have outrebounded every single Big East opponent but one this year.

 Area of Improvement: Pitt surrendered 23 turnovers Saturday night.  In their past two games they have given up a combined 41.  They have fallen to -0.19 in turnover margin this week, and negative for first time this year in that department.

 Overall Analysis: Closing out their final two home game stretch on a positive note is must-do for the Panthers.  Maintaining a hold on the 1-4 seed, which will give Pitt two straight byes in the Big East Tournament is crucial.  Wins over Marquette and Connecticut will solidify not only a 1 seed for the Big East, but for the NCAA Tournament as well.

3.  Louisville 23-5, 14-2, Stock: Rising

 National Ranking: 6

Last game: W 62-58 vs. Marquette

Remaining games: Mar. 4 vs. Seton Hall, Mar. 7 at West Virginia

Current Streak: W 5

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 1

 Strong Point: Louisville’s stifling defense, which is giving up just an average of 40% field goal shooting from the opposition, held Marquette to its lowest total on the year of just 33.9%.  What is even more incredible is the unforgiving backcourt that held Golden Eagles guard Jerel McNeal to his lowest point total of just 10 points on 3 of 19 shooting from the field.

 Area of Improvement: The Cardinals shot a horrific 9 of 26 (34.6%) from beyond-the-arc, including a combined 0 of 9 day from wing Earl Clark and guards Preston Knowles and Jerry Smith. 

 Overall Analysis: Louisville is on a current tear, which includes beating 3 of their last 5 opponents by double figures, holding the last five opponents to just 45% from the field or worse, and 10 or more turnovers.  If the Cardinals can bring a little more heat to an offense that is averaging 72 points per game, they might as well be dubbed as unstoppable for the next couple of weeks.

4.  Villanova 24-6, 12-5, Stock: Rising

 National Ranking: 16

Last game: W 77-60 at Notre Dame

Remaining game: Mar. 5 vs. Providence

Current Streak: W 1

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 4

 Strong Point: Guard Scottie Reynolds is starting to come into the dangerous form we saw him at during this time a season ago.  On top of averaging a team second best 15.5 points per game, the senior has tapped in with double figure scoring in 15 of Villanova’s 17 Big East games, including 23 at South Bend Monday night.

 Area of Improvement: Villanova had just nine assists to 20 turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Georgetown.  The turnover count tallied to 61 turnovers in just four games before Notre Dame.

 Overall Analysis: Everybody deserves a second chance, and Villanova took full advantage of theirs by completely thrashing the Irish to start the week.  Coming off a bad Saturday, the Wildcats surrendered just five turnovers and had 14 assists, while forcing Notre Dame into 15 turnovers.  Better ball handling against a bubble-busting Providence team this Saturday and Marquette’s current slide will help this team in securing the two round bye in New York City.

5.  Marquette 23-6, 12-4, Stock: Falling

 National Ranking: 15

Last game: L 62-58 at Louisville

Remaining games: Mar. 4 at Pittsburgh, Mar. 7 vs. Syracuse

Current Streak: L 2

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 5

 Strong Point: Despite being heavily outmatched in the paint on Sunday, Marquette out-rebounded Louisville 37-35 and held the 12-9 advantage on the offensive glass.  This thanks in large part to forward Lazar Hayward, who chipped in with a team-high 10 rebounds and 16 points.

 Area of Improvement: Dominic James’ replacement Maurice Acker tallied up just three points on a 1 of 5 day from the field in 33 minutes of play vs. Louisville.

 Overall Analysis: The stock has fallen hard in Wisconsin since the departure of James.  In their first full game without the senior point guard on Sunday, the Golden Eagles put up just six assists and coughed up 11 turnovers.  This from a team that averages a Big East best +4.62 turnover margin, as well as a solid 15.4 assists per game.  It’s never easy replacing a veteran ball handler who averages 11.4 points per game and 5.1 assists, and as of now, Acker does not seem to be the answer.  But let’s give the new full-time point guard a chance.  He could really make some noise with a few more games under his belt.

 **Injury Update** Guard Dominic James (left foot fracture) will be out for the remainder of the year.  He suffered the injury just four minutes into last weeks contest with Connecticut.

6.  Syracuse 22-8, 10-7, Stock: Rising

 Last game: W 70-40 vs. Rutgers

Remaining game: Mar. 7 at Marquette

Current Streak: W 3

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 6

 Strong Point: Not only has Syracuse won their last three games by a margin of over 22 points per game, but they have held each opponent to under 65 points, under 40% shooting from the field, and scored 70 or more points in not just the past three games, but 8 of their last 9 as well.

 Area of Improvement: Syracuse gave up 20 turnovers to Rutgers Tuesday night.  That was a large reason in why it was a 20-19 Scarlet Knight lead at the half, and it adds to their mediocre 14.5 turnovers a game average.

 Overall Analysis: The Orange have been on a rampage lately.  They have outscored their last three opponents 146-106 in the second half, including a 51-20 throbbing to Rutgers.  They have received superb numbers from their starting lineup, which has helped push them back to the best scoring offense in the league, at 79.4 points per game, as well as second in assists at 16.8.  You are who you play however, and aside from Cincinnati, Rutgers and St. John’s is no “tough task.”  Let’s see if these stats will continue to sky rocket with a trip to Marquette next on the schedule.

7.  Providence 18-11, 10-7, Stock: Rising

 Last game: W 73-66 at Rutgers

Remaining game: Mar. 5 at Villanova

Current Streak: W 2

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 8

 Strong Point: One of the deeper teams in the league, Providence is getting eight or more points from seven different players.  Even forward Geoff McDermott, who is averaging the lowest at 8.1 points, dropped double figures in each of his last two games.

 Area of Improvement: Providence has pulled down nine or less offensive rebounds in their last three games.  They have also been out-scored in second chance points in each of those games.

 Overall Analysis: Expect to see the Friars dancing in March even if they drop their season finale to Villanova Thursday night.  Just one win in New York City and key wins over Pittsburgh and Syracuse should just be enough to punch their ticket to the Big Dance.

8.  West Virginia 20-9, 9-7, Stock: Level

 Last game: W 64-50 at South Florida

Remaining games: Mar. 4 vs. DePaul, Mar. 7 vs. Louisville

Current Streak: W 1          

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 7

 Strong Point: West Virginia out-rebounded South Florida 36-21 including pulling down a combined 28 offensive rebounds in their last two games, and adding to a solid 13.3 offensive boards per game.

 Area of Improvement: Shot just 44.2% vs. South Florida and a hideous 21 of 65 (33.3%) from the field vs. Cincinnati last week.

 Overall Analysis: The Mountaineers seemed poised to take control of the 7 seed in the Big East Tournament, but how long can they stay in New York City with just relying on defense and Da’Sean Butler’s offense?  If you take away Butler’s team leading 17.4 points per game average, and Alex Ruoff’s 16.1, West Virginia’s offense would put up just 36.4 points a game.  Somebody other than that tandem has to step up for this team to be a threat.

9.  Cincinnati 18-12, 8-9, Stock: Falling

 Last game: L 70-59 at South Florida

Remaining game: Mar. 7 vs. Seton Hall

Current Streak: L 2

Postseason Status: NIT

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 9

 Strong Point: Freshman forward Yancy Gates has posted double figure scoring in 3 of his last 4 games, including five or more rebounds in that span.

 Area of Improvement: Cincinnati shot just 23 of 61 (37.7%) and a down right awful 7 of 32 (21.9%) from three point range Tuesday night.

 Overall Analysis: When you shoot under 40% against a bottomed out South Florida team, and allow the worst offense in the Big East to a 23 of 49 (46.9%) and 70 point night, you’re case for the NCAA Tournament is all but closed.

10. Notre Dame 16-13, 7-10, Stock: Falling

 Last game: L 77-60 vs. Villanova

Remaining game: Mar. 6 vs. St. John’s

Current Streak: L 2

Postseason Status: NIT

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 10

 Strong Point: Notre Dame is averaging a league best 38.6% from beyond the arc this year, dropping 135 of 350 shots.

 Area of Improvement: After going into halftime tied with Villanova Monday, the Irish left an egg in the second half, going just 10 of 28 (35.7%), allowing the Wildcats to 45 points and getting outscored 21-5 on fast break points.

 Overall Analysis: Barring a massive run in the Big East Tournament, Notre Dame will be looking at hosting a few games in South Bend for the NIT opening round in mid-March.  Dropping 76.2 points per game to the opposition, and allowing 38.9 rebounds pulled down on them a game just wasn’t the right elixir for an NCAA Tournament team.  But despite the negativity, forward Luke Harangody’s incredible 23.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game is something that should never be overlooked.  The reigning Big East player of the year had another stellar season.

11. Georgetown 15-13, 6-11, Stock: Falling

 Last game: L 62-59 F/OT at St. John’s

Remaining game: Mar. 7 vs. DePaul

Current Streak: L 1

Postseason Status: NIT

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 11

 Strong Point: Forward DaJuan Summers and guard Chris Wright combined for 29 points and six assists in the Hoyas upset victory over Villanova Saturday.  They contributed heavily to the team shooting a solid 48.9% from the field and 8 of 10 from the free throw line.

 Area of Improvement: Georgetown gave up 37 turnovers and had just 18 assists in their last two games combined.  They were also outrebounded by St. John’s 42-22 Tuesday night.

 Overall Analysis: The phrase: wait till next year is a great line for the Hoyas and their fans.  While teams like Marquette, Connecticut and Pittsburgh lose plenty of talent, Georgetown will more than likely be returning 4 of 5 starters.  With stars like Summers and center Greg Monroe averaging double figure numbers now, it will be to no surprise as of what superstars they will develop into next season.

12. St. John’s 15-15, 6-11, Stock: Level

 Last game: W 59-56 F/OT vs. Georgetown

Remaining game: Mar. 6 at Notre Dame

Current Streak: W 1            

Postseason Status: None

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 13

 Strong Point: Wing Paris Horne led the Red Storm with 16 points and six rebounds in the overtime winner over Georgetown Tuesday night.  Horne is averaging a team best 14.6 points per game.

 Area of Improvement: Call it foreshadowing, but St. John’s really needs to think about giving their back court a break, by getting their act together and taking full advantage of scholarships.  Between Horne and guards Malik Boothe and D.J. Kennedy last night, the three received just seven minutes rest combined in both regulation and overtime. Only one guard came off the bench, Quincy Roberts, who played just eight minutes.

 Overall Analysis: St. John’s has a talented group headlined by Horne and Kennedy coming back next year.  Perhaps some experience and a step up on the competition is exactly what this Red Storm team will need for next season.  If all goes as planned, St. John’s will be returning all five starters.

13.  Seton Hall 15-13, 6-10, Stock: Falling

 Last game: L 89-78 vs. Pittsburgh

Remaining games: Mar. 4 at Louisville, Mar. 7 at Cincinnati

Current Streak: L 3

Postseason Status: None

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 12

 Strong Point: The Pirates triple-headed monster of Eugene Harvey, Jeremy Hazell and Robert Mitchell scored 59 of the teams 78 points in the loss to Pitt Saturday night.

 Area of Improvement: Seton Hall has the most personal fouls and technical fouls in the conference.  They are averaging 20.4 fouls a game, and their three technical’s Saturday night just added to the reckless statistic.

 Overall Analysis: If this team got its act together, especially head Coach Bobby Gonzalez, who has more technical fouls called on him then any other coach in the league this year, and buckled down on defense, they might be a pretty solid team next year.  Of course, that is assuming they can all co-exist, which from press row on Saturday did not seem to be the case as they game wore on.  Running out to the middle of the court in a rambunctious manner (coach) to celebrate a two-point lead in the first half and giving up 76.2 points per game on defense should be put in the rearview mirror.

14. South Florida 9-20, 4-13, Stock: Level

 Last game: W 70-59 vs. Cincinnati

Remaining game: Mar. 7 vs. Rutgers

Current Streak: W 1

Postseason Status: None

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 14

Strong Point: Dead last in both scoring offense and field goal percentage, South Florida shocked Cincinnati Tuesday night, going 46.9% from the field and dropping 70 team points for the first time since Jan. 10 when they posted 80 on DePaul.

 Area of Improvement: Offense is going to have to be emphasized more than ever this off season for the Bulls.  Their scoring offense of 57.6 points per game is four points away from the next team, and a free throw percentage of 60.8% and field goal percentage of 39.1% is just…ugly.

 Overall Analysis: Much like St. John’s, the Bulls return a lot of great, talented players, headlined by Dominique Jones, who is averaging a team best 18.1 points per game, Jesus Verdejo and forward Augustus Gilchrist, who is a runner for the Big East Rookie of the Year award.  If this team discovers its offense, they could make some noise next year.

 15. Rutgers 10-20, 1-16, Stock: Plummeted

 Last game: L 70-40 at Syracuse

Remaining game: Mar. 7 vs. South Florida

Current Streak: L 8

Postseason Status: None

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 15

 Strong Point: Forward Greg Echenique scored 14 points and pulled down a career high 16 rebounds and had seven blocks, as well as five steals in the loss to Providence Sunday.

 Area of Improvement: Rutgers has the worst turnover margin in the league at -3.69, giving up 15.3 per game.

 Overall Analysis: The freshmen tandem of Echenique and guard Mike Rosario will surely bring plenty of fun and excitement to Scarlet Knight fans next year.  Who knows, maybe enough back up for the two, and Rutgers could finally find themselves out of the cellar.

16. DePaul 8-21, 0-16, Stock: Plummeted

 Last game: L 84-63 vs. St. John’s

Remaining games: Mar. 4 at West Virginia, Mar. 7 at Georgetown

Current Streak: L 16

Postseason Status: None

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 16

 Strong Point: DePaul out-rebounded Villanova 34-33, forced 14 turnovers and went 11 of 13 from the charity stripe in the two point loss last week.

 Area of Improvement: Despite their triumphs in their near first Big East victory, DePaul still shot an awful 26 of 67 (38.8%) from the field and allowed Villanova to go on a 15-2 run to end the game.

 Overall Analysis: It seems the Blue Demons are just cursed.  They did *almost* everything right and still came up on the short end of the stick against the then No. 12 team in the country.  With two games remaining, it’s all but clear that DePaul will be 0-18 in Big East play.  But who knows, maybe a few pigs can sprout some wings and the Blue Demons can find a win in New York City in the opening round Tournament game.

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