Villanova was the latest victim, getting outplayed by a desperate Uconn team to the tune of an 85-74 final. A couple of days before that Rutgers beat Syracuse and St. Johns took down Louisville.

Keep in mind this is a Uconn team that is firmly on the bubble just to make the NCAA Tournament and Rutgers and St. John won’t sniff the event.

If Uconn was to get in, the Huskies might just make a run to the Elite Eight. I have become convinced that it takes more skill for teams to be in the middle of the pack in the Big East, than it does to be in the top three teams in any other conference.

Good luck with your brackets come March. In the Big East alone, Nova, West Virginia, Syracuse, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Marquette and Louisville each have a chance to make a deep run. Heck, if Notre Dame and Cincinnati can find their way into the tournament, a Sweet 16 spot isn’t out of the question.

As AP sports writer Dave Skretta points out here the Big East looks better than ever.

I still give Villanova a slight edge heading into the conference tournament due to the Wildcats experience and the standout play of Scottie Reynolds.

But Syracuse could also win.

Or Pitt.

Or West Virginia.

Or. …