Marquette Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Golden Eagles vs. Villanova

Stakes, history, matchups, and stats to know for Marquette Basketball’s looming contest against the Big East powerhouse Villanova Wildcats.

This much-anticipated battle between the Big East’s two top dogs lost a little bit of its luster following Marquette’s 70-69 loss to St. John’s on Tuesday, but the Fiserv Forum faithful will still be cranked up on National Marquette Day as its 10th ranked Golden Eagles (19-4, 8-2) host no. 14 Villanova (19-4, 10-0).

There are several layers to unfold in this one. First, it’s essentially a must-win for Marquette as it looks to close the gap in the Big East standings. A loss on Saturday would send MU three games behind ‘Nova with just seven league games remaining.

Second, MU will be celebrating its aforementioned National Marquette Day, its annual homecoming-type celebration that typically is the biggest home game on the calendar. The Wildcats have already spoiled two recent NMD jamborees (2015 and 2016) and will be hungry to continue their recent dominance over the Golden Eagles (VU has won 12 of the last 13 games overall). Marquette will be favored at home, but getting over the hump is another beast.

This is also Marquette’s first top-15 regular season matchup since a win over Georgetown on March 3, 2012. Villanova, of course, is 9-3 in such games since that date, with seven consecutive wins (though the Wildcats are yet to play a top-15 game with this crop of players in 2018-19).

With the stakes and the history out of the way, here are three key matchups and strategies to watch on Saturday.