Why the media has routinely decided to dismiss the Big East as the nation’s premiere basketball conference the past few seasons, I have no idea. After winning six pre-season tournaments, and recently having as many as five teams ranked in the top 10 and seven in the top 25, the Big East has once again proved that it’s at another level when compared to the other pretenders. Aside from the cream of the crop, recently Providence has knocked off ranked Louisville and Villanova in consecutive games, Seton Hall thumped Syracuse IN THE CARRIER DOME, and a once 18-0 Syracuse team has now lost three consecutive games leading up to Saturday’s game in Milwaukee.

In an attempt to inspire this depressed group of Anonymous Eaglers, I remind you all that somehow the bracketologists still have MU as tournament worthy. Overall, the state of college basketball is quite depressed, so this is good for a top 50ish school such as MU. This, along with the fact that the entire nation recognizes how we have lost so many close games and none by double digits, could very well give us the edge come Selection Sunday. While MU may not be a favorite to win, the selection committee knows they’ll put on a good show...and that equals ratings!

Further, while we sit pretty far back in the BE standings, the likes of Cincy and WVU have yet to start their gauntlet stretches so they’ll likely come back to earth in the coming weeks. And considering the most recent upsets, even the best teams are looking vulnerable.

Saturday could be season-defining in my opinion. Getting a W over the Orangemen will definitely inspire the fanbase and should give this squad some much needed confidence going to Villanova, a team that we always seem to matchup equally with and play tough. Enjoy the morning bloodies at Turner's …err Arts…err Cuddys? (It’s been so long I don’t even know where the cool kids hang out for the pregame festivities these days). Go get ’em!

And as always,

Ring Out Ahoya!