College Basketball Handicapping – Big East Conference Tournament

Big East Conference Tournament – Seton Hall To Get Redemption Over Butler in Opening Game

If you missed the huge profits we produced in February, know that we’re on a 54-36 (60%) all basketball run the past 3 weeks. Join me for the big weekend ahead of major college conference tournament ( CCT ) action and profit from my experience and well-rounded game.  Here is the Big East Tournament tip-off game with my analysis and selection which made my members and clients card.

Seton Hall vs. Butler – Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Line: Seton Hall -2 l Total: TBD

Line is pick ’em @LVSuperBook in Las Vegas

TV: Fox Sports 1 – 4:00 ET

Donkey game opener in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden features #9 seed Butler vs. #8 seed Seton Hall.  Butler went just 4-14 in Big East play, but two of those wins were over seed Seton Hall including the season finale 71-54 in which Seton Hall was coming off an emotional Last Home Game victory over Xavier.  This game fits proven, profitable profiles of not only right-back revenge, but situational seeding based on recent results.  Recall Butler lost 7-straight games, all by 5 or more points, before beating last place DePaul and then Seton Hall with the Pirates in a unfavorable spot.  Now Seton Hall gets their redemption against a Butler Bulldogs team that is at the bottom in many statistical categories in the Big East.  Butler is last in the league in the following categories: scoring offense (65 PPG), shooting (41% FG), 31% from the arch, free throw shooting (67%) rebounding margin and the Bulldogs defense allows 47% FG; ahead of only DePaul. They are very near the bottom of the league in steals, assists and block shots.

Butler is playing in their first-ever Big East tournament while Seton Hall is making their annual appearance for the 34^th time in the Big East tournament and plays knowing a victory may get them to a post season tournament ( 14-15 ).   Seton Hall was good enough to beat Xavier twice, road wins at Providence and Georgetown, 1-point road losses at Marquete and Creighton, and a 1-point neutral court loss vs. Oklahoma out of conference.  The Pirates feature newly crowned Big East Defensive Player of the Year Fuquan Edwin, who lead the Big East in steals.  The 6’7” senior star and 2^nd team Big East performer was also top-10 in scoring ( 16 PPG ) and shooting (46% FG ).  The Pirates have additional perimeter power and length in Brian Oliver, a senior sharp-shooter who made the third most 3-pointers in the Big East while knocking down 42% from the perimeter.  Along with PG Sterling Gibbs, a solid setup man who scored 12 PPG, the Pirates have given All-Big East Rookie team PG Jaren Sina more playing time.  Seton Hall makes over 7 three-pointers per game but struggled badly with their shooting in their games vs. Butler.  Look for superior coach Kevin Williard to bring his team together after working through 19 different starting lineups this season.   Seton Hall has the back court to beat the Bulldogs in this redemption rematch.  Add in improved play and interior force of Teague and Mobley, who both missed last year’s Big East tournament, and now back from injury last game (22 pts ) Patrick Auda, look for the Pirates to sink Butler as the Bulldogs conclude a disappointing season in their first year in the Big East.

Fairway’s Forecast and Point Spread Prognosis points to the Pirates to finally break through to the Big East quarterfinals for the first time since 2003