Villanova and Georgetown open Big East Tournament quarterfinals Thursday

How to watch or stream

Time: Noon ET

TV: FOX Sports 1

Streaming: FOX Sports Go

Betting Odds

Line: Villanova -8

Total: 141

One of the best days of the college basketball season has arrived, as Thursday will bring wall-to-wall Big East games, with the tournament’s remaining eight teams all in action.

The Big East regular season champion Villanova Wildcats begin their quest for a sixth Big East Tournament crown in Thursday’s opener against the Georgetown Hoyas.

Villanova will be without Collin Gillespie, their second leading scorer (14.0 PPG) and one of three Big East Co-Players of the Year for the remainder of the season, as he tore his MCL last week. The Wildcats guard depth will be tested even further, as Justin Moore sprained his ankle against Providence over the weekend and is doubtful for the Big East Tournament, per Jay Wright.

The good news for the Wildcats is one of the other Big East Co-Players of the Year, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, is still around and ready to carry the team as far as he can. Robinson-Earl led ‘Nova in points (15.2) and rebounds (8.4) per game this season. Although, and perhaps somewhat alarmingly, Robinson-Earl averaged just 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in Nova’s two wins over Georgetown this season. Will that trend continue on Thursday?

Georgetown looked very impressive in Wednesday’s win over Marquette. The Hoyas dominated throughout and made a living grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring in the paint, to set the tone. Georgetown also turned the ball over less than they typically do. This is all easier said than done against a team like Villanova, but if Georgetown can replicate that success, they may be able to give the Wildcats a scare.