Marquette Basketball: Takeaways from upset win over No. 4 Wisconsin

Carton, the big man on campus

Ohio State transfer D.J. Carton seems to be the go-to guy for the Golden Eagles. At the end of the first half, it was Carton that got the isolation in the last ten seconds (and ended up sinking a three). It was also Carton that had the ball in his hands with the game in the balance in the last possession.

There were questions of who would be ‘the guy’ for Marquette this year, and who would be tasked with handling the big-time moments. Carton went 4-13 from the floor, with two of his buckets coming in the last couple of minutes.

He is a good addition to a talented backcourt along with the ever-so-consistent Koby McEwen. Koby only put up five attempts today but was an efficient distributor and shooter. Greg Elliott was also impressive in this one, where he made all four free throws he attempted, and added three steals to zero turnovers.

Carton, who’s only a sophomore, said of choosing Marquette, “I chose Marquette because of the relationship I have been able to develop with Coach Wojo,” said Carton last summer. Evidently, that relationship is stronger than ever with Wojo trusting Carton with the big-time shots down the stretch.

There is something refreshing that Marquette seemingly can go to anyone down the stretch. Lewis clearly doesn’t shy away from the big moment, and Dawson Garcia can simply score all over with immense talent. Koby McEwen provides senior leadership that can thrive at the end of games. Plus, of course, Carton.

The 3-1 Golden Eagles have a few tests coming up on the schedule. After getting Green Bay on December 8th, they will go to Westwood and face Chris Smith and the Bruins. Following that, they will travel to Omaha and take on Marcus Zegarowski at the offensive force that is Creighton.