DePaul came off a 10-point loss in a low-scoring game against Nova and needed to shoot a lot better to hope to turn this season around and end on a positive note. Marquette needed this win to snap their 3-game losing streak and get to the position they would like to be in as we get closer and closer to March Madness.
Marquette had tenacity on defense and speed on offense, which led to an early lead that doubled DePaul’s points and forced their first timeout at 14:10. This timeout was needed, and it let DePaul adjust on defense and slow the game slightly to take better shots. They turned their FG% to 47% and went on a nice run to cut the lead to a single basket. Depaul could have taken the lead for the first time with this momentum; however, David Joplin came soaring down the lane for a tremendous block and assisted cross-court to break the drought. As it got late in the first half, both teams were still shooting awfully from the 3-point line {MU (2-10) DePaul (0-7)}. Tensions rose as time dwindled in the first half, and the fouls became more aggressive. The tension mounted when Marquette’s Demarius Owens went up for a dunk and got pulled to the ground by DePaul’s Layden Blocker. This play was reviewed by officials and deemed flagrant. It seemed like Marquette would extend the lead before the half, but then David Thomas and Isaiah Rivera went back to back, making Depauls’ first two 3-pointers, bringing the game close as the buzzer sounded for half (32-34).
The second half started with a few baskets back and forth. N.J. Benson hit two key free throws for DePaul to tie the game for the first time. Unfortunately, this did not last long, as MU answered with a few quick back-to-back buckets. Much was left to be seen from both teams’ 3PT%, and neither team was shooing over 17% from behind the line. Just as the game started, MU kept getting big hustle plays and extended their lead to ten, the largest it had been all game. This can be attributed to their dominance off the glass, ending the game with 10 more total rebounds than the Blue Demons. Kam Jones kept the charge strong, finishing with 19 points and cementing his name as the #3 all-time scorer in Marquette Men’s Basketball history. Meanwhile, Depaul went on a scoring drought that lasted too long to crawl back from. As DePaul’s speed slowed, the Golden Eagles knew they had this game under wraps, extending their range and even looking like they were having fun on the court, finishing the game 68-58 and ending their losing streak.
Marquette stays in the AP’s top 25 with this win, accompanied only by St. John’s and Creighton from the Big East. They must remain focused on each matchup, one at a time, even if they are heavily favored. If they can continue playing to their potential, they will have excellent positioning during the tournament.
Knuckleball Prime Time Player of the Game
Next Up: The Golden Eagles will host Seton Hall Tuesday February 18th at 8:00PM CT.
The Barn 