Big East Power Rankings: Top Half

Written by Jimmy Boyd on February 3, 2009

big-east-power1 1. Connecticut Huskies (21-1)
The nation’s No. 1 just proved itself beyond a shadow of a doubt by going into Louisville and crushing the Cardinals Monday night. The Big East does not have a more balanced starting five than UConn. The most impressive thing about the Huskies was that it was able to handle Louisville’s pressure and convert on easy opportunities.

2. Marquette Golden Eagles (19-2)
Marquette is a perfect 8-0 in Big East play and it is getting the job done with one of the best backcourts in the country. We’ll find out just how good this team really is when it finishes out the conference season with UConn, Louisville, Pitt, and Syracuse.

3. Louisville Cardinals (17-4)
Losing to the nation’s No. 1 is not a bad enough loss to send the Cards plummeting down the rankings, especially since they have already beaten a No. 1 this season. Louisville’s press is a nightmare for any opponent and if Earl Clark hadn’t played such a lousy game, the Cards would have been in it until the end with UConn.

4. Pittsburgh Panthers (20-2)
Since losing its No. 1 ranking with a loss at Louisville, Pitt has won 4 of 5, including big double digit wins over Syracuse, West Virginia and Notre Dame. DeJaun Blair is a beast. We’ll find out a lot more about this team when it goes to UConn on February 16.

5. Villanova Wildcats (17-4)
While most considered the Wildcats a second tier Big East team prior to the season, Nova is proving that can play with anyone. After taking UConn down to the wire on the road, eventually losing by 6 points, the Cats have responded with 3 straight wins, including a 10-point victory over Pitt. I love the leadership, savvy, and big shot making ability of guard Scottie Reynolds. Dante Cunningham does everything else for this team, leading them in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks.

6. Providence Friars (14-7)
A devastating loss at UConn last Saturday, but a trio of Big East wins preceded it, including a big one over Syracuse. Providence has been a pleasant surprise under first year head man Keno Davis, who is proving not to be a one-hit wonder after leading Drake to an improbable Missouri Valley Conference title a year ago. His run-and-gun style of play has also been nice to see in a conference known for its physical half court brand of basketball with the exception of a couple teams.

7. Syracuse Orange (17-5)
Cuse has lost 3 straight to Pitt Louisville and providence as injuries have taken their toll lately. Like Purdue, which was stricken with injuries early in the Big Ten season, I expect a talented Syracuse team to turn things around once its health returns.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (15-6)
The Mountaineers have won four of their last six and they don’t have a bad loss on their resume this season. They gave Louisville all it wanted at home last game and I expect to see the Mountaineers making more noise in the second half of the conference season. Each of West Virginia’s next five games are no picnic and how it does against those opponents will either make or break the season.

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