1980 Big East men's basketball tournament

The inaugural Big East men's basketball tournament took place at the Providence Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island, in March 1980. It is a single-elimination tournament with three rounds. Syracuse had the best regular season conference record and received the #1 seed and a bye into the semifinals.

Georgetown defeated Syracuse in the championship game 87–81.

Awards
Most Valuable Player: Craig Shelton, Georgetown

All Tournament Team
 * John Duren, Georgetown
 * Eric Floyd, Georgetown
 * Marty Headd, Syracuse
 * Louis Orr, Syracuse
 * David Russell, St. John's