NCAA Basketball: UConn, North Carolina, Wisconsin rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
15. Marquette (11-5)
After triumphing in the Big East last season, Marquette brought back a significant amount of talent and had expectations for more of the same. With the defending national champions and a few other potent programs in the Big East, it was clear that it would no easy task. There were no major surprises early in the season for the Golden Eagles, though it may be a surprise to sit here under .500 in league play after three weeks.
Yes, the Golden Eagles fell to just 2-3 in league play this past week, falling 69-62 at home against Butler on Wednesday night. Part of an upset-heavy day, Marquette had one of their worst offensive performances of the season and lost at home for the first time this season. Kam Jones had 20 points while Oso Ighodaro added 12 points and 9 rebounds, but the Golden Eagles lost Sean Jones for the rest of the season with a serious injury.
Adding that injury to the insult of another loss certainly wasn’t what Marquette was anticipating this week. If they want to win this league again, then they can’t afford to drop winnable games at home. This was another effort where the shooting really failed them. They survived a poor shooting night to beat Kansas two months ago, but their defense alone won’t always get the job done. Next week features another home date with Villanova and a tough road game at St. John’s.