Well, look what we have here. Marquette is the leader of the Big East. Villanova is no longer tied with the Golden Eagles after they fell to Georgetown last night in a surprising loss for the Wildcats. They’ve now lost two straight and three of their last four games. Things aren’t exactly happy in Philadelphia. Marquette keeps winning basketball games, and they have a real chance to win their second Big East regular season title in school history. The Villanova loss yesterday has given Marquette a slight bit of house money to play with for the remainder of the season.

The much-hyped rematch of Marquette-Villanova goes down next Wednesday. It’s going to be a great game and one that hoops fans will want to watch. That said, it’s not for Big East supremacy. Barring a loss to Providence for Marquette or Xavier finds a way to beat Villanova, this game will either give Marquette a two-game lead or tie these teams up with three losses. Why Marquette has a bit of house money here is even if they lose to Nova, they’re tied at the top of the Big East. Sure, it would be sweet to win it outright, but a share is perfectly fine.

Stating the obvious, but Marquette can ill-afford a slip-up if they want to take the crown. Unless Villanova completely falls apart like a golfer on the back nine of a semi-big tournament, this will be a race to the finish. Marquette does have three remaining road games with Providence on Saturday, Nova next Wednesday, then back out of the road on 3/5 to play Seton Hall. All three could give the Golden Eagles some issues especially Hall which has been a house of terror for Marquette in the past. Nova only has two games left after they play the Golden Eagles which could also be a distinct advantage down the stretch.

The sprint to the Big East finish should be a dandy.

Charlie.