The Marquette men's basketball team is gearing up to kick off their Big East season with a bang this Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum. The excitement is palpable as fans prepare to cheer on the Golden Eagles, who have been flying high this season with an impressive 9-2 record. Ranked ninth in both major college basketball polls, Marquette is looking to bounce back after a tough loss, and they’re ready to bring their A-game against Butler.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are coming into this game with a 7-4 record but have hit a rough patch, losing three straight games, including a challenging matchup against Wisconsin last Saturday. This sets the stage for an intense clash as both teams have something to prove.
Probable Starters
Marquette Golden Eagles:
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Guards: Kam Jones, Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross
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Forwards: Ben Gold, David Joplin
Butler Bulldogs:
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Guards: Pierre Brooks, Finley Bizjack
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Forwards: Jahmyl Telfort, Patrick McCaffery
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Center: Andre Screen
One of the key storylines to watch is Marquette’s Chase Ross. Known for his quick reflexes and defensive prowess, Ross plays basketball with the instincts of a pass-intercepting free safety. His ability to disrupt plays and create opportunities for his team could be a game-changer in this matchup.
What to Expect: Marquette vs. Butler
The Golden Eagles have a golden opportunity—pun intended—to take the Big East crown this season. With not a lot of top-line competition standing in their way, this opening game against Butler is crucial for setting the tone. The Bulldogs, however, are known for their methodical play style and will likely try to control the pace of the game. Marquette, on the other hand, thrives on high-energy basketball and will aim to up the pressure by forcing turnovers and keeping the Bulldogs on their toes.
Odds and Predictions
Odds (via BetMGM as of Wednesday):
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Spread: Marquette by 14.5
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Over/Under: 148.5
Prediction: Marquette 78, Butler 65
This game could also serve as a breakout moment for one of Marquette’s rising stars. While opponents might focus their defense on Kam Jones, it opens the door for another player to shine. Could this be Zaide Lowery’s time to step up? Fans will be watching closely to see who seizes the moment.
How to Watch
If you’re wondering how to catch the action, here’s everything you need to know:
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TV: FS1
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Stream: Watch the game on the Fox Sports app through your television carrier. Alternatively, FUBO offers a free trial for new subscribers.
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Announcers: Jeff Levering (play-by-play) and LaPhonso Ellis (analyst) will provide expert commentary throughout the game.
Upcoming Challenges
Marquette’s road doesn’t get any easier after this matchup. Here’s a look at their next five games:
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Dec. 21: at Xavier, 11 a.m.
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Dec. 31: at Providence, 5 p.m.
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Jan. 3: Creighton, 8 p.m.
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Jan. 7: Georgetown, 7 p.m.
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Jan. 14: at DePaul, 6 p.m.
Each of these games presents its own challenges, but the Golden Eagles have shown they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Key Takeaways
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Marquette’s high-energy style will be a test for Butler’s slower, more deliberate approach.
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Chase Ross’ defensive skills and Kam Jones’ offensive leadership are pivotal for Marquette.
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The game could be a platform for a lesser-known player, like Zaide Lowery, to make a significant impact.
As the Golden Eagles take to the court under the bright lights of the Fiserv Forum, fans can expect an exhilarating start to the Big East season. Will Marquette dominate and solidify their status as contenders, or will Butler’s disciplined approach throw a wrench in their plans? Tune in to find out—this game promises to be one you won’t want to miss!
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