(MARQUETTE COMMUNICATIONS) MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University men’s basketball team (3-3, 0-0 BIG EAST) fell in a hard-fought overtime game to Dayton (4-1, 0-0 Atlantic 10) Wednesday evening at Fiserv Forum.
Marquette was led by Nigel James Jr., who paced the Golden Eagles with 18 points, five assists, and four steals while playing 38 minutes at the point. Chase Ross added a strong all-around night with 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Zaide Lowery contributed 10 points and a pair of threes. Ben Gold anchored the front court with eight rebounds and six points, and Tre Norman gave MU a spark defensively, posting six points and four steals.
Marquett coach Shaka Smart said that they’ll keep after it.
He said that not dipping into the transfer portal didn’t win or lose this game.
Smart talked about the Golden Eagles end of game execution.
Marquette shook off a slow start and used its pressure defense to flip the momentum, forcing 16 Dayton turnovers in the opening period. Norman and Ross sparked a 14–2 run with multiple steals and transition finishes, and a Lowery three helped MU take a brief lead. James Jr. added late free throws, but Dayton closed the half on a small surge, and the Golden Eagles went into the locker room trailing 39–34.
The Golden Eagles chipped away immediately, with Lowery, Ross and James Jr. leading an energetic push that turned stops and kills into scores. A late stretch featuring baskets from Norman and Parham, plus clutch free throws from James Jr., pulled MU even. Marquette had the ball with the shot clock off at the end of the half but missed a
n opportunity to send the game to an extra period.
Marquette generated good looks but couldn’t convert in the extra period, managing just three points as Dayton made enough plays at the rim and at the line to pull away. The Golden Eagles were outscored 9-3 in overtime and fell, 77-71.
NOTABLES
- Junior guard Sean Jones (shoulder) missed his third-straight game.
- MU played in their first overtime game of the season.
- Marquette recorded 21 steals, the most in a game since December 3, 2005 vs. South Dakota State (20 steals).
- MU has had 3+ student-athletes score in double-figures in every game this season
- Nigel James Jr. tallied new career-highs in points (18) and assists (five).
- Ben Gold has snatched at least eight rebounds in six straight games.
- Chase Ross (15 points) has scored 15+ points in each game this season
UP NEXT
Marquette takes on Central Michigan at the Fiserv Forum this Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m. CT
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