The Villanova Wildcats have had a hold on the Big East tournament over the last five years, but they are not favored to capture the 2021 edition.
Villanova is the No. 1 seed but is listed behind the Creighton Bluejays and UConn Huskies in the betting due to the absence of guard Collin Gillespie, who recently suffered a torn MCL.
Jay Wright's team struggled in its first game without Gillespie in which it dealt with another injury blow to Justin Moore.
Creighton's overall resume suggests it can handle the rigors of the Big East tournament, but it dealt with some issues of its own over the last three games.