20. Marquette Golden Eagles
Record: 8-2 (0-0 Big East)
Last Week: No. 20
Marquette did not compete in a game during this past week so no major movements from the team. As I mentioned last week, though, this is a team that is seriously on the rise. The Golden Eagles have won their last five games and that includes victories over Louisville, Kansas State, and Wisconsin. At this point in time, Marquette should be regarded as the clear frontrunner to win the Big East behind their revamped defense and typical high-scoring capabilities.
And a major reason for Marquette’s success so far this season has been the play of freshman Joey Hauser. Sure, he is not the first name that most think about in regards to this team but his impact should not be understated. A highly-touted recruit out of high school, Joey has been superb as the tertiary scorer for the Golden Eagles while posting 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds on .508/.393/.833 shooting as a 6-foot-9 forward.
Looking ahead at this coming week, Marquette has a huge game looming with nationally-ranked Buffalo coming to the Fiserv Forum for a contest. That game will mark the third ranked opponent to visit the new arena already in this young season. The Golden Eagles won both of those previous games. It is important to mention, though, that Marquette should not overlook North Dakota, who they play prior to Buffalo this week.