1981 Big East men's basketball tournament

The 1981 Big East men's basketball tournament took place at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. It was a single-elimination tournament with three rounds. Boston College had the best regular season conference record and received the #1 seed.

Syracuse defeated Villanova in the championship game by a score of 83–80 in triple overtime.

Awards
Most Valuable Player: Leo Rautins, Syracuse

All Tournament Team
 * Alex Bradley, Villanova
 * Tony Bruin, Syracuse
 * Eric Floyd, Georgetown
 * John Pinone, Villanova
 * Leo Rautins, Syracuse
 * Erich Santifer, Syracuse