Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 11:25 PM | 5 comments |
 

On tap for Villanova
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Marquette had lost its last four games, all to ranked opponents, since losing starting point guard Dominic James with a broken foot.

Still, the 21st-ranked Golden Eagles (24-8), the fifth seed in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York, advanced into Thursday's quarterfinals against Villanova with a 74-45 win over No. 13 St. John's (16-17), which had eliminated No. 12 Georgetown on Tuesday.

The 10th-ranked Wildcats (25-6) are the No. 4 seed.

The teams split during the season. Marquette won in Milwaukee on New Year's Day by seven. The Wildcats won by 18 at the Pavilion on Feb. 10.

Even without James, the Golden Eagles still have two other senior guards. One of them, Wesley Matthews, had 20 points against the Red Storm, which set a tourney record by scoring 10 points in the first half.

Both teams prefer to play through their backcourt, which usually makes this an entertaining matchup.

The Wildcats could pretty much lock up a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and also a spot in Philadelphia for the opening weekend, with another win.

 
Posted by Mike Kern @ 11:25 PM  Permalink | File Under: Villanova | 5 comments
5
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:43 AM, 03/12/2009
    Gametime is 2:00PM, TV is ESPN. I mention this because the reporter and sports editor left out the "When" part of the story, so enjoy the game!
    — tom c.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:47 AM, 03/12/2009
    T Y Tom C. I was trying to find that info. 10 points in first half a record? I would think someone could score 10 points in a half by accident but what do I know?
    — Reggie92
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:25 PM, 03/12/2009
    Mike Kerns, you forgot to mention that Marquette managed to load up the W column with the lesser teams in the Big East, then when it came time to play the big boys, suddenly they have a losing streak. Yes, losing a starting guard and leader is a problem, but this team is way over-rated. Don't be surprised if Nova wins today easy.
    — RJM16
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:03 PM, 03/12/2009
    SJU scored 10 pts in the first half. That makes alot more sense. I are smart.
    — Reggie92


5 comments
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