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No. 10 Marquette chasing 8-0 start, hosts Western Carolina
No. 10 Marquette Golden Eagles look to extend their best season start in over a decade as they host Western Carolina on Saturday in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles, riding high at 7-0, have dominated opponents this season and aim to keep the momentum going against the struggling Catamounts (2-3).
Marquette’s Hot Streak
Marquette’s 94-59 victory over Stonehill on Wednesday showcased their depth and offensive firepower. David Joplin led the charge with a standout performance, scoring 27 points on 10-of-12 shooting, while Kam Jones and freshman Damarius Owens added 14 points each. Owens, returning from an early-season injury, is quickly making his mark.
Head coach Shaka Smart expressed confidence in his young squad, praising their contributions in extending leads and maintaining intensity. “Damarius had a big offensive game, but I thought all those guys came off the bench and gave us a lift,” Smart said. “His future is incredibly bright, and we’re excited to see him gain more experience.”
With Jones leading the team in scoring (19.6 points per game) and assists (5.7), and Joplin dominating the boards (6.4 rebounds per game), Marquette is proving to be a balanced, well-rounded team. Defensive standout Chase Ross averages 3.1 steals per game, adding a crucial element of pressure against opponents.
Western Carolina’s Challenges
The Catamounts enter the game on the heels of back-to-back losses to ACC powerhouses Wake Forest and Florida State. In their 91-57 defeat to Florida State, turnovers and poor three-point shooting hindered Western Carolina, as the Seminoles capitalized on 19 turnovers and a 28-miss night from beyond the arc.
Ice Emery leads the Catamounts with 14.2 points per game, supported by Bernard Pelote, who averages 8.0 rebounds, and Vernon Collins, who anchors the defense with 1.6 blocks per game. Despite their struggles, head coach Tim Craft sees potential in his team. “Florida State is always a tough opponent with their athleticism and defense,” Craft noted. “We’re working to build consistency and compete against top-tier teams.”
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Historical Context and Outlook
Marquette and Western Carolina have faced each other five times, with Marquette holding a perfect 5-0 record. All previous matchups have been played in Milwaukee, with the most recent being a 90-44 blowout in 2016 at the Bradley Center. Saturday’s game marks the Catamounts’ first visit to Fiserv Forum.
This matchup serves as a critical test for both teams. For Marquette, it’s a final tune-up before a challenging non-conference schedule, including games at No. 5 Iowa State, against No. 15 Wisconsin, and at Dayton. Meanwhile, Western Carolina, under first-year head coach Tim Craft, aims to build confidence and find its rhythm in preparation for Southern Conference play.
Key Players to Watch
- Marquette:
- Kam Jones: Team leader in points (19.6) and assists (5.7).
- David Joplin: Top rebounder (6.4) and reliable scorer.
- Damarius Owens: Promising freshman showing offensive potential.
- Chase Ross: Defensive specialist averaging 3.1 steals per game.
- Western Carolina:
- Ice Emery: Leading scorer with 14.2 points per game.
- Bernard Pelote: Dominating the boards with 8.0 rebounds per game.
- Vernon Collins: Defensive presence with 1.6 blocks per game.
What’s at Stake
For Marquette, maintaining their undefeated streak is essential as they aim to solidify their Top-10 ranking. With tougher opponents looming, this game offers a chance to refine their strategies and test their depth. Western Carolina, on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity to challenge a top team and gain experience for their young roster.
Marquette’s high-powered offense and defensive tenacity make them the clear favorites, but Western Carolina’s scrappy play could pose a challenge if Marquette underestimates them. History favors the Golden Eagles, but as sports have shown, anything can happen on game day.
Conclusion
As the Golden Eagles chase an 8-0 start, their mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent puts them in a strong position against Western Carolina. Fans at Fiserv Forum can expect an exciting game, with Marquette looking to polish their play before entering a tough stretch of the season.
