When the Big East underwent a transformational face-lift in 2013, questions arose regarding whether or not the conference would be able to retain its status as one of the premier leagues in college basketball. For the first two seasons as a non-football conference, the shortcomings of the Big East appeared to confirm the doubts of critics.
But in year three of a basketball-driven era, the Big East is experiencing a resurgence that has the conference on the verge of top-tier status, with a legitimate national title contender with the Villanova Wildcats leading the charge.
Villanova arrived at Allstate Arena on Tuesday night playing as the No.