I just can't get past how bad it would look if for the second year in a row, the only programs to make the Sweet 16 are Power 4 programs. It seems to me there's an existential battle being fought, and the tide is pulling against everyone who isn't Power 4, including the Big East. To me, rooting for St. John's here is worth the perceived risk of having to meet them again in an Elite Eight matchup, which doesn't seem to me like it'd be tougher than playing Duke even though the Red Swarm pushed us around pretty good last time out. Plus, I'd rather risk losing to another Big East team with zero nattys in their trophy case and a twilight-years coach than risk losing to Duke, who could tie us at 6 titles.