What's Happening?
Xavier and Marquette are set to face off in a Big East rematch following recent road losses. Xavier, with a record of 12-12 and 4-9 in the Big East, is coming off an 87-82 overtime defeat to No. 17 St. John's. Marquette, holding a 9-16 record and 4-10 in the conference, lost a late lead against Villanova. In their previous encounter on January 7, Marquette narrowly defeated Xavier 66-65, with Ben Gold's decisive putback dunk. Xavier has struggled with rebounding, failing to outrebound their last five opponents, including a 47-34 deficit against Marquette. Marquette's Adrien Stevens has been a standout, scoring consistently in recent games, while Royce Parham achieved a double-double against Villanova.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is crucial for both teams as
they seek to improve their standings in the Big East. Xavier aims to avoid falling below a .500 record for the first time since the 2023-24 season. The game also highlights individual performances, such as Adrien Stevens' shooting prowess and Royce Parham's recent double-double, which could impact their future careers. The outcome of this game could influence team morale and momentum as the season progresses, affecting their chances in the conference and potential postseason play.
What's Next?
Both teams will look to address their weaknesses, particularly in rebounding for Xavier, as they prepare for the rematch. The game will serve as a test of resilience and strategy, with coaches likely to make adjustments based on their previous encounter. The performance of key players like Stevens and Parham will be closely watched, as their contributions could be pivotal in securing a win. The result will also impact their positioning in the Big East standings, influencing their path towards the conference tournament.
