(MARQUETTE COMMUNICATIONS/LEARFIELD) – The Marquette University men’s basketball team (5–4, 0–0 BIG EAST) wrapped up the home portion of its non-conference schedule on Tuesday night with a 75–72 overtime victory against Valparaiso (5–3, 0–0 MVC) at Fiserv Forum.
Freshman guard Nigel James Jr. led the Golden Eagles with 21 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Junior forward Ben Gold added 17 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard Chase Ross extended his career-best streak of double-figure scoring games to nine with a 16-point effort.
Marquette coach Shaka Smart said that his guys stuck with it.
Smart said that the offense was was better in the second half.
But said Smart, the defense was not as good in the second half.
Marquette found itself playing from behind early, as Valparaiso connected on four first-half threes and used a 12–4 run to build a 25–19 lead late in the period. Despite shooting just 29% from the field in the opening half, the Golden Eagles trailed by only four at the break.
The second half featured back-and-forth action, producing three ties and three lead changes in the closing minutes. With 55 seconds remaining and Marquette down two, Gold converted the game-tying basket to force overtime.
In the extra period, Valparaiso struck first, but Marquette responded with two free throws to even the score. Ross converted a basket at the rim to give MU a 69–67 advantage before Valpo briefly moved back in front with a corner three. James Jr. sealed the win at the line, knocking down four consecutive free throws in the final 33 seconds. Marquette’s defense held firm on the final possessions to close out the 75–72 victory.
UP NEXT:
Marquette will hit the road to face the University of Wisconsin on Saturday, December 6.
Smart said that they’re going to Wisconsin with everything they have.
Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
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