With the Big East tournament now down to eight teams, we’ll try to break down every game for you and predict the winner of the championship.

Quarter-finals

#1 Pittsburgh vs. #8 Virginia Tech

The Hokies are coming off a great come-from-behind win against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. However, the Panthers have been playing great ball all season, and there is no reason to expect an upset this early for the Panthers. However it won’t be an easy win either. Panthers by 5.

#4 Syracuse vs. #5 Boston College

The Orangemen have come into the tournament on fire, winning their last five games, along with a win at Peterson Arena, breaking the Panthers home-winning streak. The Eagles clinched a NCAA bid with a win over Georgetown in the first round. Earlier this season the Eagles lost by 23, but they will get their revenge. Eagles by 8.

#2 UConn vs. #7 Notre Dame

The Irish are playing for their NCAA-tournament-lives, as they needed at least two wins coming into the tournament. And with questions about Emeka Okafor’s whereabouts and the possibility of him playing, the Irish will get their wins. Irish by 7.

#3 Providence vs. # 11 Villanova

The ‘Cats lost by 26 to the Friars earlier this season and allowed them to score 100 points on the pavilion. Payback sucks. ‘Cats by 3.

Semi-Finals

#1 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Boston College

The Panthers earlier this season beat the Eagles by 10 points. However, the Eagles will have been on a seven-game winning streak and won 10 out of their last 11. Plus, God is on their side. Eagles by 4.

#7 Notre Dame vs. #11 Villanova

This will be a rematch of the Big East opener for the ‘Cats, who led for most of the game, but fell short. See Providence vs. Villanova above. ‘Cats by 7.

Final

#5 Boston College vs. #11 Villanova

The Eagles will be a tough match for the ‘Cats as all of their offensive power comes from the inside and that is where the ‘Cats are the weakest. However, the Eagles weakness is were the power of ‘Nova team is, at the guard position. And because the ‘Cats are quick and can get out on the run and will be playing for a tournament bid, it’s ‘Nova in this one. ‘Cats by 5.