[Update by JasonB, 03/21/11 2:43 PM EDT ] For updated Big East shadenfreude/commiseration, check out our latest piece!
↵Vegas put the over under on total Big East team wins in the 2011 NCAA tournament at 15 1/2. After watching the Big East tournament and how competitive that was... I honestly thought it was a great bet. After seeing the first round of the tournament, I'm not so sure anymore. After getting a record 11 teams in the field, the Big East didn't exactly dominate the first round.
↵Of the 11 Big East teams in the field, seven advanced past the first round. Plus, St. Johns and Georgetown were not only upset... they were both blown out. The conference is guaranteed at least two teams in the Sweet 16 because four Big East squads are in action against each other in the round of 32. So that means that by the Sweet 16, the Big East will have at least 9 wins of the 15 1/2 they need to cover the over/under.
↵Ironically, the most competitive matchups for Big East teams next round are mostly when they play each other. However, #5 West Virginia against #4 Kentucky should be a really good matchup.
↵So what is your prediction? How many big East squads do we see in the Sweet 16?