The Big East 18-game conference schedule was released (http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=1505292) and, after a quick glance, here are a couple thoughts:

- Each team plays three other schools in a home-and-home.

- Villanova drew the most difficult trio with Marquette, Syracuse and Providence - three teams that should enter the season ranked either in or right around the Top 25.

- Providence and its new coach, Keno Davis, have a favorable schedule with its three home-and-homes against Villanova, Cincinnati and Rutgers.

- Pittsburgh, Marquette and Syracuse all have more difficult road slates in the league.