The Big East as we know it may cease to exist after the 2013 NCAA Tournament but the conference is going out with a bang. With No. 3 Marquette and No. 4 Syracuse meeting in the East Regional Final, the conference is guaranteed at least one team in the Final Four.
No. 4 Syracuse stifled No. 1 Indiana with its signature 2-3 zone defense and rolled to a 61-50 win in the Sweet 16. After a pair of nervy wins, Buzz Williams' Golden Eagles cruised to a 71-61 win over a Miami team that went cold at the wrong time.
The winner of this game on Saturday, March 30 at 4:30 p.m. EST in Washington, DC will advance to the Final Four.
Take a look at these capsule glances at the teams' 2012-2013 seasons and let us know who you predict will survive and advance.
Syracuse
Regular Season Record: 26-9
Conference Record: 11-7 (Big East)
Conference Tournament Results: Lost to Louisville in final
Top Players: C.J. Fair (Forward), James Southerland (Forward)
Top 25 Wins: San Diego State (#20), Louisville (#1), Cincinnati (#21), Notre Dame (#25), Pittsburgh (#17)
Worst Losses: Georgetown (61-39)
RPI Ranking: 13
Marquette
Regular Season Record: 23-8
Conference Record: 14-4 (Big East)
Conference Tournament Results: Lost to Notre Dame in quarterfinals
Top Player: Vander Blue (Guard)
Top 25 Wins: Georgetown (#15), Pittsburgh (#16), Syracuse (#12), Notre Dame (#21)
Worst Losses: Florida (82-49)
RPI Ranking: 12