The 2016 Big East Tournament is set to tip off from Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening and it might just be time that we all admit this conference is, finally, back.
Top-seed Villanova comes into the postseason after wrapping yet another regular season title and the Wildcats are not only shooting well, they’re playing well. Then, of course, there’s Xavier. The Musketeers took down ‘Nova at home earlier this month, but followed up that upset with a disappointing showing against Seton Hall.
And, speaking of Seton Hall. The Pirates are the darkhorse in this tournament, the preseason No. 7. But the Hall is on a roll, led by Isaiah Whitehead and his 17.9 points per game.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tournament. Long live Big East hoops.
2016 Big East Tournament Bracket & Schedule
All Times Listed are Eastern
Wednesday, March 9
Game 1: No. 9 DePaul vs. No. 8 Georgetown, 7 p.m. on FS1
Game 2: No. 10 St. John’s vs. No. 7 Marquette, 9:30 p.m. on FS1
Thursday, March 10
Game 3: DePaul/Georgetown vs. No. 1 Villanova, 12 p.m. on FS1
Game 4: No. 5 Butler vs. No. 4 Providence, 2:30 p.m. on FS1
Game 5: St. John’s/Marquette vs. Xavier, 7 p.m. on FS1
Game 6: No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 3 Seton Hall, 9:30 p.m. on FS1
Friday, March 11
Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 6:30 p.m. on FS1
Game 8: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner, 9 p.m. on FS1
Saturday, March 12
Game 9: Big East Championship, 5:30 p.m. on FOX