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The women of the Big East have been battling all year and tournament time has come. Here are the quick hits you need to know before it begins.
● Marquette is the slight favorite led by star duo Allazia Blockton (Named Big East Player of the year) and Amani Wilborn. Head coach Carolyn Kieger received Co-Coach of the year honors as the team takes the number one seed with the program’s first-ever regular season Big East championship.
● Not so fast to the favorite! They shared the championship with number 2 seed DePaul who have earned their fifth straight championship and come into the tournament hot under the play of head coach Doug Bruno.
● Villanova is a strong contender for the championship as well under the leadership of Co-Coach of the year Harry Perretta. This is the fourth time in his tenure he has received the award. Plus, the Wildcats have the 6th player of the year in Mary Gedaka.
● Keep watch for (4) Creighton as they are led by Sydney Lamberty and Big East All-Freshman Temi Carda. They face a tough battle with St. John’s who will be fired up after falling to Marquette and securing them the championship. The Red Storm is led by Qadashah Hoppie (conference’s Freshman of the Year), Maya Singleton, and Tiana England.
● An early round must-see game will be (6) Georgetown vs. (3) Villanova. Georgetown lost its two matchups to Villanova by one score, respectfully. Can Villanova pull off a sweep this year? Junior guard Dionna White will be looking to lead Georgetown to a win.
● The opening round match-up between (8) Butler and (9) Providence should be exciting as the winner of that matchup will face Marquette. Butler has a slight edge with the play of Tori Schickel, a first-team All-Big East player driving her team.
● (7) Seton Hall is favored to push past the up and coming (10) Xavier squad who will be looking to rebuild and grow their talent next season.
● The tournament will be held in the Windy City at Wintrust Arena. DePaul is on a hot streak and will thrive in its home court advantage as they look to overcome last season’s let down.