Marquette vs. Xavier: Big East Tournament Showdown at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK – The No. 5 seed Marquette Golden Eagles (22-9, 13-7 Big East) face the No. 4 seed Xavier Musketeers (21-10, 13-7 Big East) in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. The game will be streamed live on Peacock.

Marquette enters the matchup as a 2.5-point favorite, with the game’s over/under set at 145.5 points. Both teams are in critical need of a win to boost their standing with the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

The Golden Eagles are looking to improve their post-season performance after a solid regular-season showing. Head coach Shaka Smart commented on the importance of the matchup, saying, “Every game from here on out matters. We need to play our best basketball to have a shot at the tournament.”

During the regular season, both teams finished with identical conference records, making this contest pivotal for seeding and momentum. Marquette’s roster features standout performances from Kam Jones, who has averaged 18.9 points per game, including a notable 12 points scored in the first half against Xavier in a previous encounter this season.

Xavier’s Zach Freemantle poses a significant challenge for Marquette, displaying an impressive scoring ability, with 11 points in the first half of their last match. Freemantle’s assurance in the paint will be crucial for the Musketeers as they strive for victory.

“We know we can compete with anyone,” said Freemantle, who also emphasized the need for strong teamwork. “Our chemistry has to be on point if we want to win.”

As the game approaches, excitement is building among fans, highlighted by the unexpected presence of NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, who was spotted courtside during warm-ups, engaging with the Golden Eagles’ pep band.

The atmosphere at the World’s Most Famous Arena is sure to be electric, with both teams eager to secure a win. The stakes are high, and neither team can afford a setback at this crucial stage.

The Golden Eagles and Musketeers also contend with the unique pressure of a neutral site, which removes home-court advantages. “We believe whoever settles in first will have the edge,” stated Marquette’s head coach. This sentiment is echoed across both benches as both teams prepare for a fierce battle on the court.

The Marquette vs. Xavier game is set to tip off at 2:30 p.m. ET, promising an exciting showdown as both teams vie for advancement in the Big East tournament.