NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, BYU falls, and Virginia rises in latest top-25 power ranking
![Dec 6, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) drives for the basket around Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Dec 6, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) drives for the basket around Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0610beec28795f658aede974a65a50fa64ece1d5bad8a107a7247b824bc6cbf1.jpg)
7. Marquette Golden Eagles – 8-2
Continuing its strong non-conference schedule to this point, Marquette took on a pair of power conference opponents. The first opponent was Texas, a reunion of sorts for head coach Shaka Smart, who had some ups and downs a few years ago when he was there.
The game itself proved to be a snooze-fest, as the Golden Eagles raced out to an early big lead and never looked back. The top-10 team won 86-65, led by 28 pts on 11/16 shooting from star guard Tyler Kolek. He also chipped in with 8 rebs and 6 asts in the game as well. Kameron Jones was the other starter in double figures with 17 pts, going 5/8 from three-point range.
The game against Notre Dame was literally over before it started, with Marquette starting the game with a 17-0 run. Even though the Eagles stopped trying to score in the second half, the final was still a blowout, going 78-59 in the Big East team’s direction. Oso Ighodaro led the team this time with 20 pts on 6/8 shooting, while Kolek had 17 pts and 7 asts.
The schedule gets a bit easier for the Eagles this week, taking on St. Thomas at home. The Tommies aren’t a great scoring team, ranking in the 300s nationally. But they are on a 2-game win streak, including beating Milwaukee this past weekend.