It was a slow start for both teams, but a combined 93 second half points made for an entertaining game. Marquette ended up getting the job done, defeating Xavier 72-70. The Golden Eagles improves to 11-2 (2-0) while the Musketeers have dropped three straight
Down to the Wire
Marquette held a five point lead at halftime, and was cruising through the second half. The Golden Eagles star senior, Kam Jones, took quite a bit to get going. Once things started clicking offensively, this was an entirely different Marquette squad.
Xavier did not give up, even when they were down by ten plus points. The Musketeers started out with the hot hand, but their shots didn’t seem to fall in until the final few minutes. With a comeback mounted, Marquette made their free throws when it counted. Kam Jones made four of the team’s seven. While he missed one in the final seconds, the two point win was all Marquette needed.
Trip or Foul?
Chase Ross was playing tight defense on Ryan Conwell in the final three seconds. Conwell, who struggled all night, fell as time expired and was unable to get a shot off. The Xavier players were asking for a penalty, and with Xavier already in the double bonus, two free throws would’ve been on the docket. Conwell was 0-2 from the line in this one, but historically has had good games from the charity stripe. Against Morgan State he was 5-6, and was 7-8 in their first game of the year against Wake Forest.
Ultimately, no call was made. Xavier suffered their third consecutive defeat, but they had chances down the stretch. Their ball-handling wasn’t up to par in the final minute, something Stevie Mitchell was all over.
Stevie’s Steals
In the final 90 seconds, Stevie Mitchell came up with two huge steals. Mitchell’s defense not only kept Marquette in the game, he won them the game. Without those two turnovers, Xavier could’ve had another six points on the board. Coach Smart’s team finished the game with 40 deflections, a number that is incredibly impressive.
While they turned the ball over ten times themselves, Marquette still forced 13 turnovers against Xavier. They had more steals, blocks, and rebounds en route to the two point victory.
1000 Points for Joplin
Another big story from the night was Marquette senior David Joplin scoring his 1000th career point. The Milwaukee native has had a great three seasons with Marquette, with his points per game average going up every season. Not only are his points going up, but his minutes are as well. Kam Jones gets a ton of well deserved credit for leading this team, but the Golden Eagles would have a huge void if it wasn’t for the presence of David Joplin.
Tough Stretch for Xavier
Xavier has not had it easy in their last three games. The Musketeers, who were once ranked #22 in the country, have now lost three in a row. All three of their losses have come to quality opponents, as all three are ranked in the top 25. It started with a three point loss to Cincinnati, followed by a five point loss to UConn. Now at 8-5 (0-2), they will get to play an under .500 Seton Hall team at home on New Years Eve.
