30 games remain on the 2012 Big East regular season schedule. That's it.
After the weekend's action, three teams have clinched at least a single bye in the Big East tournament: Syracuse, Marquette, and Notre Dame. Georgetown and South Florida currently stand tied for fourth place to preserve at least some semblance of the Bizarro Big East.
As befitting the late season run in this conference, there's a number of great games set to take place this week. In fact, I've managed to pick out 5 great games without even getting to the games scheduled on Saturday. Let's get to it, shall we?
Tonight: Connecticut at Villanova (6pm Central, ESPN) - With 4 games left on the schedule including a home game against Syracuse, the Huskies have to find a way to shut down the Wildcats tonight if they want to give themselves a chance to defend their national championship.
Tuesday, February 21: #9/8 Georgetown at Seton Hall (6pm, ESPN3) - Seton Hall has restored some respectability to their profile after losing six straight earlier this season. Now they get a chance to add a high quality win against the Hoyas to their profile. I'd have to say that Marquette fans will be Pirate fans tomorrow, since a Georgetown loss makes it slightly easier for Marquette to lock up the double bye.
Wednesday, February 22: South Florida at #2/2 Syracuse (6pm, ESPN3) - With #TheQuestFor16 completed, The Quest For 20 begins. Can South Florida squeeze a win out of the Orange? I'm going to move on before I make another terrible pun.
Thursday, February 23: #17/17 Louisville at Cincinnati (8pm, ESPN) - Two 9-5 teams battling for a first round bye in the Big East tournament. A renewal of an old Conference USA rivalry. This ought to be a heck of a thing to watch.
Friday, February 24: #10/10 Marquette at West Virginia (8pm, ESPN) - A rare Friday night Big East matchup! Marquette makes their last ever trip to Morgantown, and good riddance. According to the MU Scoop Wiki, Marquette has never won a game in Morgantown, with three trips as a member of the Big East and one trip back in 1995. As for the Mountaineers, they're currently holding on to the final single bye spot for the Big East tournament.