Big East Tournament Betting Advice and Analysis

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Big East Tournament Betting Advice and Analysis
© USA Today

There is nothing quite like the Big East Tournament, especially because the games are played at Madison Square Garden.

Providence is the No.1 seed. However, Villanova defeated the Friars both times during the regular season and are the No. 2 seed. Any team in this tournament wanting to upset either of these top seeds and cause a little March Madness drama will have to have to play the best basketball of their season.

The tournament is structured so that the Top 5 seeds get a bye to the quarterfinals. The six remaining teams in the 11-team Big East Conference began play on Wednesday and the championship game is Saturday.

Who Is the Favorite to Win the Big East?

The Friars might be the top seed, but they are the third-best favorite lined at +500 at BetMGM Sportsbook.

We find Villanova as the favorites at +175 and UConn second lined at +350.

Marquette is lined at +500, then it’s Xavier at +1200. Last year, Georgetown came out of nowhere to stun the basketball world to win the tournament.

Who Will Win the Big East Tournament?

I see no team in the Big East that can take down the Wildcats other than Providence.

The Friars have already lost to Villanova twice this season. So, I bet you are wondering if these two teams meet in the championship game, how teams that have lost twice in the same season and now playing a third time?

Well, the sports database I have constructed over my 27-year career has the answer.

Teams in the Big East Conference playing in the same season with double revenge are 32-19 straight-up and 23-25-3 against the spread, for 48% wins. That includes a solid 20-30-1 over-under for 60% winning Under wagers over the past 20 seasons.

Taking this one step further and adding if the double revenger is priced as an underdog in the third matchup has led to a 2-13 straight-up record and 6-9 against the spread, including a 5-9-1 Under record over the past 20 seasons.

So, I am on Villanova to take down the Big East Tournament Crown at +175 as offered by BetMGM.