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2024 Big East Basketball Predictions for the Regular Season

by Matt Zitt - 1/4/2024

Big East basketball predictions Tyler Kolek Marquette

One of the best parts of the new year is college basketball ramps up with conference play. The Big East Conference held the last laugh last season as the UConn Huskies cut down the nets after a 16-point victory over San Diego State in the National Championship Game. What is funny is that the Huskies finished fourth last year in the regular season in the Big East. Dan Hurley’s squad looks just as good this year, and it appears most teams in the conference will be chasing UConn and Marquette. Doc’s Sport’s will break down the best Big East bets below for the 2023-24 Big East champ.

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Marquette +200

The Golden Eagles went 17-3 in league play to win the regular-season title last season and look poised to do so again. They followed their regular season title with a Big East conference tourney crown, a run that included a victory over the UConn Huskies. Tyler Kolek might be the best point guard in the country, leading Marquette with 15.3 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, and 1.7 steals per contest. Kameron Jones and Oso Ighodaro also lead this top offense that is averaging 78.0 points per game. Jones averages 14.6 points per game and Ighodaro chips in 13.0 per contest. The only concern right now with this squad is their away performances with an 0-2 record on the road.

Connecticut +210

It is hard not to take the squad that cut down the nest last season and they look every bit as good as 2023. They currently boast a 12-2 record and rank 4th in the nation. Donovan Clingan, a 7-foot-2 big man, has looked great, averaging 14 points a game and over six rebounds while registering only 20 minutes of action a game. Tristen Newton is a bonified star, averaging 15 points a game and leading the Huskies in rebounds, assists, and steals averaging 6.8, 5.7, and 1.2, respectively. This squad has one of the best offensive-to-defensive efficiency ratios in the country and will be an absolute force to be reckoned with come March. Snag the Huskies at +210 immediately.

Villanova +290

Nova has had some impressive victories to start the season over North Carolina, Memphis, and on the road against conference foe Creighton. There is nothing flashy about this squad, as only two players average double figures. They play solid defense and fundamental basketball. With a complete team effort, they are still averaging 73 points per game on offense and force over 10 turnovers a contest. The Wildcats can close out games, shooting over 80% from the foul line. They have shown the ability to win close games, and a stretch in the middle of January will seal their fate. Nova plays Marquette, UConn, St. John’s, UConn, and Marquette again in five straight games. If they can go 3-2 in that stretch, they will have a chance at the Big East title after a 3-0 start in conference play already.

St. John’s +1900

This is a good longshot to grab at 19-1. Regardless of what you think of Coach Pitino, he has proven that he gets the most out of his team. When he has control of his team, they are a threat to win multiple games in a row at any moment. The Red Storm currently boast a 10-4 record and are 2-1 in Big East action. They are led by 6-foot-11 Joel Soriano, who is averaging 17.1 points per game and ranks sixth in the country with 10.4 rebounds per contest. He also ranks ninth nationally with a 65.2 field goal percentage. Do not be surprised if Pitino’s squad goes on a surprising streak within the conference at some point.

My Pick: UConn

Big East Conference Odds

Marquette +200

Connecticut +210

Villanova +290

Creighton +750

St. John’s +1900

Providence +1900

Seton Hall +6000

Xavier +10000

Butler +10000

Georgetown +25000

DePaul +25000

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