For the Marquette Golden Eagles, welcoming the former coached team of Shaka Smart, it was as an important chance to defend home court on the national stage. While Texas went on the initial run, midway through the first half, Marquette ballooned a lead that they never relinquished. The Golden Eagles won a decisive 86-65 victory over their ranked Big 12 opponent.
Marquette Golden Eagles Star Performance
As someone that entered the season on a lot of Player of The Year watch lists, senior Tyler Kolek led his team by example. Shooting 4-7 from three from the first half he set the tone and created the cushion that ended up being too much for the Longhorn team. He demanded the play run through him, and stepped up against a highly talented team.
Being able to come out early, he finished the game with an impressive stat line of 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
While adding a game high amount of points, he commanded the game by finding his shooters such as Kam Jones who also had a great shooting night.
Marquette Golden Eagles Defense
This defense made the Texas game flow struggle all night. Coach smart did a good job throwing different looks at Texas. Between throwing in zone coverage, switching to man mid possession, and bringing 3/4 pressure, the Marquette Golden Eagles made it harder for them to get into a rhythm.
The defenders were in the right place all game long, contesting shots, and really forcing the Longhorns to take difficult attempts. This relentless and disciplined defense of the Marquette Golden Eagles was so suffocating that the game really felt over just a little in to the second half.
Electric Moment Of The Game
Ending the first half of play, Kolek came down the lane and looked to dish the basketball. The ball found its’ way into a scramble that had Tyler Ross making a pass from the floor with possession. After what looked like a for sure busted play, Kolek ended up with the ball in his hands to splash a three.
SWEET triple from Tyler Kolek 🔥@KolekTyler x @MarquetteMBB pic.twitter.com/VWhmR4Y2Gm
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 7, 2023
After the ensuing Texas position and timeout, Kolek made an NBA range three to end the half on a 13-0 run for the Marquette Golden Eagles basketball team.
From DEEEEPPP! Tyler Kolek sinks it!! 😮💨 @kolektyler x @MarquetteMBB pic.twitter.com/nct4OMJmpQ
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 7, 2023
While shooting at a much improved rate today from three, the toughness, and way that the Marquette Golden Eagles were able to play as a unit was really encouraging to see. The intensity that Marquette played with, and constant pressure just proved to be too overwhelming.
It was telling when fans were privileged to hear Shaka Smart in the huddle. During the timeout he told his players to just drive against the Texas defense. Of course any team would like to create off of dribble penetration. But the fact that Coach Smart said to focus on attacking the defense in this way, and to look to either create their own shot from this look or to pass to open teammates is telling. He knew and had the feeling that his players’ attack mentality and ability would just be too much and he was proven right.
This was a good win at the Fiserv Forum with another home test coming in the form of Notre Dame on Saturday.
