Big East Women's Basketball Tournament Comes to Chicago

Last year, I attended my first Big East Conference Women's Basketball tournament and I really fell in love with the sport. This year, the tournament returns to Wintrust Arena and I will be back there soaking in all of the action..

After having really gotten into collegiate women's softball, I gave women's basketball a chance. I started following the DePaul (my alma mater) women's team and I attended my first DePaul game and really enjoyed the action. When I heard the Bog East tournament was being held in Chicago, I made that my weekend plan. The tournament highlight was watching my Blue Demons win the title.

Fast forward to this year, I have been following the Big East Conference, specifically DePaul and Marquette, the two teams who met in last year's Big East Championship game. I went to Milwaukee to watch Marquette at home and I have seen a few DePaul games at McGrath-Phillips Arena. I have watched games on tv and streaming online.

I have seen great basketball. I see young, elite athletic women playing excellent basketball. I have seen them practice and know how hard they work.

DePaul currently sits in 2nd place with an 8-4 conference record. the season has been a bit challenging for DePaul. At times they have looked inconsistent, frustrating coach Doug Bruno, but Bruno challenged the team to dig deep within themselves and they have been responding.

Marquette has rolled to a perfect 12-0 record and sits in 1st place. They have done this, despite missing last year's Big East Player of the Year Allazia Blockton for several games with an injury. Natisha Hiedeman stepped up big time in Blockton's absence and the rest of the Golden Eagles picked up their game a bit, too. With Blockton back, the team is stronger than ever. Marquette is definitely the team to beat.

Wintrust is a beautiful, new arena. It is easily accessible from all expressways and the el line. With great sight lines, every seat provides excellent views to the court.

The Big East tournament runs March 9-12. I'll be there all days and I hope to see a full house. These young ladies deserve sold out games. The games are quick and fast-paced. There is usually plenty of in-game entertainment as well. For mascot fans like me, you'll probably see many of them over the weekend. There will be plenty of games, which would allow you to attend at least one.

I never expected to enjoy women's collegiate sports as much as I do. Let me be an example for all. If I can love women's collegiate sports, basketball in this case, anyone can. Just attend one game and see what I love.

As I always write, I am not on the payroll of any of these organizations. I am simply a fan who loves the action and loves writing about it. I'll be back right here to report on that action as the tournament progresses.