The Marquette Golden Eagles face Xavier, February 15th, with the sole possession of the Big East Conference on the mind of each team. The Golden Eagles hold a half-game lead over Xavier ahead of the game. The teams will pick up where they left off last time, when Xavier walked away with the 80-76 home win.
Marquette Seeks Revenge Over January Road Loss
The Golden Eagles have been red hot this season, boasting a 20-6 record. In conference, the team sits at 12-3 with losses to Xavier, UConn, and Providence thus far. The most recent loss came against the Huskies in Hartford, 87-72. Marquette responded to the loss with an 89-75 win over the Georgetown Hoyas. With five games left before the conference tournaments, the battle for the top spot will intensify over the coming days.
Xavier has been just as hot this season, with a 19-6 record and 11-3 record in conference. The most impressive part of their season thus far is the 13-1 home record they have developed. Xavier lost to Indiana in November and has since won 13 straight at home. Providence nearly beat the Musketeers in Ohio, but lost 85-83 in overtime. The Musketeers faced Butler last and lost 69-67 in a thrilling match up.
The first time these two teams met this season Tyler Kolek dropped 25 points and seven assists for the Golden Eagles. Oso Ighodaro also supported the team with 14 points and eight rebounds. Marquette was out-rebounded by 13 and sent Xavier to the line for 17 shots. The Musketeers secured 17 second chance points as well. It was a rough, physical game, but that is what is expected of a conference match up.
Keys to a Golden Eagles Victory
In order to secure a win, the number one priority for the Golden Eagles will be securing rebounds. In the first game, there was a lack of physicality on the inside and it led to more opportunities for Xavier. Jack Nunge bodied Marquette on the inside throughout the first match and secured 16 points and 13 rebounds. His double-double led the momentum of the team and gave others an extra shot opportunity. Shutting down Nunge and grabbing valuable boards will be the first key to victory.
The Golden Eagles average 9.5 steals and 3.5 blocks this year as a team. If there is one thing the team understands, it is defense and limiting opponents transition buckets. The team had eight steals and six blocks against Xavier the first time and scored 11 points off of 10 forced turnovers. Limiting the chances Xavier gets and keeping them on their heels with great defense will open up chances on offense.
The final key to victory for Marquette will involve limiting the outside shots. Xavier has two shooters they look for when they need a bucket. Souley Boum and Adam Kunkel took all but three shots from three point range in the first game. They also took a combined 25 shots between each other, which is nearly half the shots the team took. Marquette will have to force Xavier to give the ball to players they do not want to. Getting the ball out of their shooters hands will prove to be the toughest challenge.
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