This thread will be updated a few times throughout each game of today’s Big East Tournament. I’m not sure where this will lead to — I assume I’ll just go with the flow of the day. Feel free to comment throughout the day on any thoughts you have on today on the BET.

Today’s schedule looks like this (all games on ESPN):

Wednesday, March 7:

#8 DePaul vs. #9 Villanova, 12pm

#5 Syracuse vs. #12 UConn, 2pm

#7 West Virginia vs. #10 Providence, 7pm

#6 Marquette vs. #11 St. John’s, 9pm

Game 1: #8 DePaul vs. #9 Villanova

12:22 pm — So the tournament tips off with a good matchup, and for the record I have ‘Nova in this one. The ESPN coverage began with what can best be described as a “strange opening rap/dance montage” with people wearing a jersey from each team. The Pitt “representative” was wearing a #11 jersey and at first you’d think it was Carl Krauser; it’s the newer style jersey though that Krauser never wore therefore meaning it was…a Gilbert Brown jersey?!?

By the way there’s a game going on too and although ‘Nova jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, DePaul cut it to 12-8 with 12 minutes left in the half.

12:53 pm — Villanova went to a zone for the final few minutes of the half and Curtis Sumpter (13 pts. at the half) sat out the last few minutes because of foul trouble. DePaul closes the lead to 2 points because because BE RoY Scottie Reynolds played less than stellar.

1:03 pm — Don’t underestimate the fact that it’s pretty tough to play in this time slot. Neither team seems to have a huge contingent there and it’s definitely odd for those guys to play in a 20,000 seat arena that is only half full.

1:17 pm — DePaul is down 11 now with about 16 minutes left in the second half. Maybe if their jerseys didn’t resemble Penn State’s then they’d be much better.

1:33 pm — I know I said earlier that I picked Villanova to win but I’d rather see DePaul win if it means these teams go into three or four overtime periods. Anything to prolong the time before the impending doom that is Syracuse’s new unis.

1:49 pm — Villanova has had the lead for the entire game and DePaul has been able to pull close and then fade away a bit and then pull back in a continuing cycle. Scottie Reynolds isn’t playing his best game and still has 19 and counting. A five point lead for the Wildcats with seven left in the game.

Jay Bilas throws kind words towards Pitt’s way for the second time today, basically saying the same thing he did on Cold Pizza.

2:03 pm — If Nova wins they’ll have a tough time against a rested Georgetown team tomorrow now that two of the Wildcat’s key players have come up limping. Still have to win this one though. Villanova leads 63-59 with 1:20 left.

2:13 pm — Nova doesn’t miss foul shots which should lead them to the win. I won’t be able to watch the UConn-‘Cuse game but feel free to make your comments on that game. I should be back in action for the 7:00 game though.

6:02 pm — I’m back and just saw the SportsCenter highlight of Nichols and Devendorf destroying UConn. WVU-Providence coming up in about an hour.

Game 3: #7 West Virginia vs. #10 Providence

6:52 pm — If you take a look at my professionally made Big East bracket I filled out for the poll at BigEastHoops.com you’ll see I’m 2 for 2 so far today and looking for WVU to make it 3 of 3. Yeah I took Pitt all the way, and had it been for money I might have thought a bit more rationally, but it’s a free deal so I can be as big of a homer as I want.

7:03 pm — So everyone who missed the dancing intro during the day session got a look at it as they moved from SportsCenter into the game broadcast. Both teams NEED this game (and probably a few more) if they want to avoid the NIT.

7:15 pm — Is it just me or does the BET logo at center court get bigger every year?

7:37 pm — This game has been full of each team going on 7-8 point runs and then having the other team do the same.

I really wish we’d have clinched the 2nd seed for this tournament. I think the drop off from Marquette (6 seed) to WVU (7 seed) is pretty great. In my opinion, Louisville got the best draw.

8:05 pm — Patrick Beilein, son of Coach John, is in attendance and looking as fruity as ever.

8:14 pm — Dominic James struts into Madison Square Garden carrying his shoes in his hands and his jersey over his back. MU can’t afford duffel bags?

8:26 pm — Herbert Hill has trouble carrying this Providence team on his back and yet they’re still in the game. This game is beginning to look like the Villanova/DePaul game though. Like Depaul, Providence has been making runs at coming back but when it gets to within a point or two then WVU pulls away.

9:01 pm — WVU was just too tough for Providence but neither team’s defense was spectacular. Final score of WVU (92) to Providence (79).
By the way, I just found this hilarious post by Chas on Syracuse’s shorts over at the FanHouse.

Game 4: #6 Marquette vs. #11 St. John’s

9:15 pm — The game that affects Pitt the most at this point in time is coming up in about ten minutes or so. Not sure if I’ll make it through the entire game — I don’t think I would be able to stay awake if Marquette blows SJU out of the water.

9:43 pm — It’s not too hard to see that Marquette is the better team. For SJU to pull it off they’ll need someone to play the game of their life.