by Jeff Borzello

Heading into the season, everyone thought the Big East was going to get at least eight or nine bids to the NCAA Tournament, and some people were talking about double-digit bids. The same could be said of the conference just a few short weeks ago, when nine teams were among the top 25 or 30 teams in the country and had a chance to make a run at the Sweet Sixteen and further. Now, though, things are different. There are just seven teams that can be considered to be safely in the field of 65 right now, and the conference does not look like it will receive more than eight bids if things continue to go the way they have over the past month or so. All season, it was “the ACC is stronger at the top, but the Big East is deeper.” Now, it might be the opposite. Let’s take a look at how the Big East’s Dance Card is shaping up:

Connecticut: After Monday night’s blowout win over Louisville on the road, the Huskies might be the No. 1 overall seed in the country. I personally think they were after Duke fell last week, but that just solidified it. They are now 11-1 against the top-100 of the RPI and their computer numbers continue to get better. UConn steps out of conference to take on Michigan Saturday, then face Syracuse at home and head on the road to Seton Hall. Projected Seed: 1

Pittsburgh: The Panthers get the second spot back from Louisville after the Cardinals’ defeat at home to Connecticut. Pitt bounced back nicely from its second loss with a very impressive second half against Notre Dame and then blew out Robert Morris in a curious non-conference game. The Panthers still have the No. 2 RPI in the country and four wins against the top-25 of the RPI. They head to DePaul this weekend to take on the Blue Demons. Projected Seed: 2

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Here is a comprehensive look at last night’s Big East action, which was a very big night for all six teams participating in the three league contests. it was a night of must-win games in terms of confidence, NCAA resumes, position in the standings and, maybe in once case, could have meant the season.

Although it is still too early to have a funeral procession for any team with many big games left, last night could have helped or hurt the cause of all involved depending on their individual outcomes.

Also, Pittsburgh is starting to find an outside shooter teams need to concern themselves with.

We will have more throughout the day, including a close look at last night’s St. Patrick-St. Benedict’s High School showdown in New Jersey that was about as anti-climatic as any hyped game could be…

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The NBE Blogger registered a clean sweep on Tuesday in the Big East, going 2-0 straight-up and 2-0 ATS in league play. The NBE Blogger is now 59-14 (81%) outright and has climbed out of the hole ATS with a record of 39-34 (53%) record.

Wednesday night brings a trio of games that are very important to all six participating teams. NCAA Tournament hopes may pin on the results for a few teams and the direction of a season could be defined for a few of the teams. You can follow the links below of the teams to see our preview of the game and a prediction from the NBE Blogger (and, remember to leave your prediction, thoughts and analysis in the comments while there):

West Virginia at Syracuse (-2 1/2), 7 PM.

Notre Dame (-3 1/2) at Cincinnati, 7:30 PM.

Villanova (-3 1/2) at Providence, 8 PM.

(college basketball betting odds are provided by BetUS.com)

Your home for all of the Big East action for the 2008-2009 season!

by Anthony Jaskulski

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

1. Connecticut 21-1, 10-1, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 1

Last game: W 68-51 at Louisville

Next game: Feb. 7 vs. Michigan

Current Streak: W 10

Strong Point: Connecticut’s front court is averaging over 55% of their 75 points per game average in the paint. Center Hasheem Thabeet is contributing mightily to that stat with 10 double-doubles, including his first career triple-double in last Saturday’s win vs. Providence, in which the big man had 10 blocks, 11 rebounds and 15 points.

Area of Improvement: With just a total of 4.6 three pointers made per game, Connecticut is third to last in the Big East. They have only attempted 123 shots from beyond-the-arc in league play this year, with Villanova and St. John’s as the only two teams that have attempted fewer.

Overall Analysis: The Huskies are down right terrifying right now, and they are proving it in just their first week as the No.1 team in the country. Hitting zero three-pointers against Louisville and still winning by 17 at Freedom Hall, beating a well-equipped Providence team by 29 points in the second half, and averaging a +13.1 scoring margin in conference play to date all adds to an elixir of dominance and near immortality shown from this team.

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Here is our daily run through the happenings and going-on of the Big East men’s basketball conference. Last night, the new annointed #1 team in the country, although they entered the evening third in the Big East standings, Connecticut travelled to Louisville to meet the Cards. It was a no contest as #1 smacked up #5 on their home floor.

Pitt was also in action last night, cruising past a local rival in a non-league match-up. Other conference notes include a look at Norm Roberts’ job security, more Irish line-up shuffling, surgery ahead this week for a SU and a WVU player, ending their individual seasons. Also, a nice article on an incoming WVU recruit, eligibility troubles for a UConn sophomore and the PC crowd is louder, but maybe not so ruly, in more ways than just one…

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