The Big East Women's Basketball Tournament Rounds 1 & 2

The Big East Women's Basketball tournament is well underway and what a tournament it has been. On Friday, I witnessed two very tight games, including an overtime thriller. On Saturday, the favorites won, with my pick DePaul looking the strongest.

As always, I arrive early and found my seat on Press Row. To my pleasant surprise, I was positioned just to the left of the south basket. I had one of the best seats in the house! I always love the serenity of an (mostly) empty arena.

I watched Providence and Georgetown go through pre-game warmups. It always amazes me how athletic these women are. Sitting this close, I really get to see their speed, strength and skills. Especially in a practice setting, without defenders hanging on them, the players display ridiculous abilities. I have seen players drain double-digit consecutive three pointers, among other awesome feats.

After the Providence victory, it was off to the media room for the post-game media session. Both coaches were gracious with compliments to the other team. Both expressed appreciation for the conference and women's sports.

As exciting as the first game was, the Xavier overtime win over Villanova was even more thrilling. With no particular rooting interest, I sat back and enjoyed the action.

Saturday, it was much the same for the four games. All went as expected, but hat did not diminish the excitement level.

The DePaul game was the highlight. As an alum and a member of the press crew at DePaul, I was (mostly) silently rooting for the Blue Demons. The crowd was at its peak for this game, as local fans and students arrived in big numbers and were very vocal throughout the game. Even the press group was larger because of the local interest. I had the pleasure o sitting next to veteran media member Maggie Hendricks of WCSR and The Athletic.

DePaul had a pretty easy time with Providence, although the Friars fought until the end. There was a bit of a scare when sophomore Lexi Held left he game with an injury. Fortunately, she later returned and looked to be 100%.

The DePaul offense had four players with double-digit points, led by Deja Church with 16 points. The big margin of victory allowed DePaul to rest starters and give valuable playing time to players off the bench. DePaul had 14 players see game action, with 12 scoring points.

Friday
Providence 49
Georgetown 46

Villanova 64
Xavier 56

Saturday
DePaul 97
Providence 59

Marquette 72
Villanova 59

St. John's 70
Creighton 59

Seton Hall 83
Butler 57

Tonight the tournament continues. DePaul faces Seton Hall at 5 pm and Marquette battles St. John's at 7:30 pm. The winners will meet tomorrow at 7 pm for the Big East Championship.

DePaul looks for their third consecutive Big East Tournament title, while Marquette is looking at the title after two straight championship game losses. Seton Hall and St. John's aren't going to be easy opponents either. This will be an exciting evening of basketball and I cannot wait.

I will be sitting courtside and doing my best to not break the press rule by cheering, but I will be silently screaming for my Blue Demons. Having followed this team for three seasons, I have gotten to know Coach Doug Bruno and the team a bit and they are all class individuals.

Even without a rooting interest in DePaul, the games will be great. I might sound like my dad now, but this is basketball in its truest form. There I passing and play-making. There is tough defense. It is a graceful game, yet it is a rough and tough battle. It is everything sports is supposed to be.

Wintrust is a great place for watching. Every seat has great sightlines. Especially because these are college games, there is an incredibly lively vibe in the stands and on the court. I am a reporter, but I am a fan. Either way, I am having a great time at the Big East Women's Basketball tourney.