Golden Eagles Face Crucial Week Ahead of NCAA Tournament

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — As March arrives, the Marquette Golden Eagles are poised for a pivotal week that could significantly impact their NCAA Tournament profile. With a record of 22-7 and a 13-5 mark in Big East play, the Golden Eagles are aiming to secure valuable Quad 1 victories in their final two regular-season games.

Currently, Marquette boasts a Quad 1 record of 5-5, complemented by a strong Quad 2 record of 6-2, a perfect 6-0 record in Quad 3, and a dominant 5-0 in Quad 4. These statistics reflect the team’s resilience as they prepare for the upcoming challenges. Moreover, Marquette ranks No. 30 in offensive efficiency and No. 20 in defensive efficiency heading into the week.

The Golden Eagles’ recent performances further illustrate their potential. In a game against Providence on February 25, the team attempted a record 41 three-pointers, successfully sinking 17. Ben Gold stood out in that match, scoring a career-high 17 points. This offensive display is a testament to the team’s shooting prowess and determination.

Following that impressive showing, Marquette faced Georgetown on March 1. In that game, star guard Kam Jones had a standout performance, setting a career-high with 13 assists while also scoring in double figures for the 45th consecutive game. His consistent play has been a crucial factor for the Golden Eagles this season.

Looking ahead, Marquette is set to clash with Connecticut on March 5. Historically, the Golden Eagles have struggled at UConn, with head coach Shaka Smart yet to secure a victory in four seasons against the Huskies. This matchup poses a significant challenge as Marquette seeks to bolster its tournament resume.

The Golden Eagles will then finish the regular season against St. John's on March 8. The Red Storm, led by head coach Rick Pitino in his second season, recently clinched the Big East regular-season title, adding an extra layer of competition. It remains to be seen if St. John’s will rest players in preparation for the tournament, impacting Marquette’s quest for a strong closing performance.