Marquette game thread

[muskieman]

When: Wednesday, January 7 7 p.m.

Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wis.

TV: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 700 WLW

Xavier is looking to snap a two-game losing streak. Marquette is trying to snap a six-game losing streak.
• Xavier leads the BIG EAST and is sixth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.94. XU is ninth in the nation in turnover percentage at 13.4 percent.
• Xavier leads the BIG EAST in assists and is 23rd in the nation at 18.6 apg. XU's assist percentage (69.1 percent) is third in the nation.

Keys to the Game
For Xavier
Win the assist battle
Xavier leads the Big East with 18.6 assists per game, and Filip Borovicanin is the engine at 4.2 APG. Their offense hums when the ball moves. If they hit their assist average, they control tempo.

Efficient shot creation
Xavier shoots 42.3%, slightly below what Marquette typically allows. They must generate cleaner looks, especially early, to avoid long scoring droughts.

Tre Carroll’s scoring consistency
Carroll’s 16.0 PPG is the stabilizer for Xavier. If he gets downhill and draws help, it opens up the passing game that makes Xavier dangerous.

Control the glass
Xavier averages 33.3 rebounds, nearly identical to Marquette. Winning the 50/50 boards—especially defensive rebounds—prevents Marquette from getting rhythm threes.

For Marquette
TOP PERFORMERS: Ben Gold is averaging 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Golden Eagles. Nigel James Jr. is averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games. Case Ross is the table setter and leads the team in scoring with 16.3 ppg average over the season.

Defensive pressure and turnovers
Marquette forces mistakes and needs to speed up Xavier, who averages only 9.4 turnovers—one of their strengths. If Marquette can push that number toward 12–13, they tilt the game.

Improve shooting efficiency
Marquette shoots 40.3%, well below Xavier’s defensive allowance of 46.9%. If Marquette can simply shoot to their opponent’s average, they’re in business.

Home‑court energy at Fiserv Forum
Marquette is 5–4 at home, and this group plays better with crowd momentum. Early defensive stops and transition buckets are essential.

Matchup X‑Factors
Pace control — Xavier thrives in structured half‑court sets; Marquette wants chaos and tempo.

Bench impact — Both teams rely heavily on their starters; any surprise bench scoring could swing the game.

First 10 minutes — Marquette has struggled in early-game execution during their losing streak; Xavier can bury them early if that continues

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Why Xavier Can Absolutely Win This Game
Elite Ball Movement
When Xavier hits their assist average, they control tempo and force Marquette into half‑court defense—where Marquette is less effective.

Tre Carroll’s Shot Creation
Carroll is the most reliable half‑court scorer in the matchup.

If he gets rolling, Xavier can dictate pace and grind out a road win.

Rebounding Battle
These teams are nearly identical on the glass.

If Xavier wins the rebounding margin by even +4 or more, they flip the expected outcome.

[skyhops]

I listened to the Richard Pitino show and he stated that Xavier is at the bottom in the nation in getting to the foul line? Basically, Roddie and Trey are the only players that take the ball to the basket, which is not a recipe for success. Filip, All, and Moore rarely take the ball to the basket and Jovan is typically in foul trouble which isn't a recipe for success. Depaul, Marquette, and Xaiver are the worst rebounding teams in BE and also the worst. Pitino said the offense and spacing was good against DePaul, however giving up 46 points to them in the second half is awful. Sounds like we have nice "kids", but the effort and intensity is just not there. The optimism is fading.

[muskieman]

I listened to the Richard Pitino show and he stated that Xavier is at the bottom in the nation in getting to the foul line? Basically, Roddie and Trey are the only players that take the ball to the basket, which is not a recipe for success. Filip, All, and Moore rarely take the ball to the basket and Jovan is typically in foul trouble which isn't a recipe for success. Depaul, Marquette, and Xaiver are the worst rebounding teams in BE and also the worst. Pitino said the offense and spacing was good against DePaul, however giving up 46 points to them in the second half is awful. Sounds like we have nice "kids", but the effort and intensity is just not there. The optimism is fading.

Taking a fade-away shot after your drive will never get a player a trip to the line. Taking the ball into the defender's body is something that needs to be emphasised.

[connecticut72]

Awful game. New low for the Big East. Are we now the new DePaul? So sad.

[muskieman]

The last couple of minutes of the half, X fell apart. Not taking good shots and always being late on the scrabble. Lead went to ten, and it could have been worse. Stup*d fouls and passes to people with rock hands. Frustrating

[XavierBob]

Haven’t posted in a long while, but, that was as frustrating half of basketball as I can remember. I think that Pitino knows what he is doing but I’m afraid in the era of NIL XU won’t have enough resources to acquire the players they need. Small school, limited number of alumni, smaller group of big money donors doesn’t bode well for the future. I know our budget will go up but so will everyone else’s. It’s a shame the NCAA was shortsighted for all those years because college sports is gone. As with the professionals is all about $ — the school and development are things of the past.

[connecticut72]

This team as constituent belongs in the Missouri Valley. Worst team since the Luther Rackley days. Thank God we beat UC.

[muskieman]

I never want to see a practice clip of X players dunking because they can't do it in traffic. Robinson is big enough to get a rebound but can't put it in the basket from under the rim.

They act like the basketball is a hot rock

[connecticut72]

XavierBob is right on unfortunately

[muskieman]

no call foul at end.