The Big Road Win Marquette Needed

With college basketball, the games are never on at the exact times. As a student without a DVR, I missed most of the Marquette-UConn game because I was filming my weekly television show for TV-10. Of course, I had to rely getting updates every once in awhile....

The First update I received was 34-23 Marquette up at half. Yes! Kemba Walker only with six points, and the Golden Eagles weren't shooting well, just being glass cleaners owning the Huskies on the boards.

Big Cat texts me right before my taping, 'Marquette looking tough'. Of course they were I wasn't watching and every time I watch, it's like inserting needles into my eyes, ears, and nose. 

After I got done filming, I turned on a TV to see Marquette down 49-41. Shit. I had a tough time believing the never-ending story of Marquette's season blowing first half leads kept happening. I cannot believe Marquette stayed in the game by starting the second half shooting 2 of 19 as a team. Chris Bosh did worse as an individual last night to give you some perspective.  I had this distinct feeling that this might have been the final blow to Marquette's season.

But somehow, someway, the light got turned on that I have been waiting for all season.  If you have read my rants from the past games, I have been very critical of Marquette's late game offense. No one had the marbles to take big shots. All of that was true until last night when Darius Johnson-Odom rose to the occasion. DJO had an off night for most of the game, but the last three minutes plus overtime, he found a way to turn it on.

The thing I loved about DJO's takeover was he did not settle for long shots and threes, something DJO did a ton in these situations earlier this season. DJO penetrated the lane like I have never seen him do before. For once, someone took this Marquette team on their shoulders. I hope DJO did the big balls dance when he got to the locker room. He deserved it.

After any big win, I worry about a letdown in the following game especially when Marquette faces a guy like Providence's Marshon Brooks. But I feel Buzz Williams told his boys, the tournament started in Hartford, Connecticut and the attitude is now win or go home.

-Charlie.

Finally, Marquette Gets One

In the second half of the Marquette game, it appeared the Warriors were doing their usual thing.  They didn't look as crisp as they did in the first half, and seemed to be on their way to another swoon. My buddy Mach texted me around 10 minute mark in the second half, "Cuse is winning by 9, calling it now."

Usually I try to quench Mach's negativity, but my hangover prevented me from coming up with something logical. Not to mention, I couldn't blame him for feeling negative after how many late game collapses we have already witness this season. But Marquette pulled it together with some clutch shooting to ensure the home victory. 

Crowder might have the brightest future on
the Marquette roster.

Jae Crowder deserved the game ball for his play on Saturday afternoon with 25 points 7 rebounds and became a zone breaker for the Warriors sneaking behind the zone for the easy bucket.  Crowder is easily the front runner for Newcomer of the Year in the Big East. Even though he is only 6'6, Crowder is tough inside and can step out for the three making him a real problem for opposing teams.  In my opinion, he is more physical version of Lazar Hayward. I don't think he is a better shooter than Zar, but I do like that he hangs out more around the block then the three-point line like Zar would.

The incredible thing about Marquette's win was Darius Johnson-Odom ran into foul trouble plus they received no help from their bench.  Vander Blue looked horrendous yesterday making consistent ill-advised decisions, and I wonder if his minutes will decrease. I am not looking that much into it because Blue is a freshman therefore you expect some growing pains. At least he isn't the Orange's Fab Melo who is the most overrated freshman in this year's class. Marquette found a way to get points without bench help or DJO, which both speak volumes to me.

Remember last week when I said Marquette needed to rediscover Jimmy Butler in late game situations?  They did exactly that on Saturday. Butler made one of the toughest three-pointers I have seen all season, and hit a back-breaking three in the deep corner.  Each shot I felt good about because I trust Jimmy more than anyone on Marquette.  He knows how to hit big shots, and lives in the moment. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.

-Charlie.