Statement games are sort of like game faces. What’s a ‘Statement win’? How does one define it. By the book, a statement win could be what Marquette did to Kansas State on Saturday afternoon. Kansas State ranked 12th heading into the game, and Marquette dominated them for 30 of the 40 minutes of the game. They barely like Kansas State up for air. Markus Howard found his NBA Jam fire shoes in the Fiserv Forum locker room and went off for 45 points in route to a 73-61 victory that felt more like a 20-point victory for Marquette.

Player of the Game: Markus Howard – You want to know why this guy is the star of the team? Look no further than this game. Howard did it from all over the floor. He made threes, he got to the free-throw line 20 times and had his hand in everything Marquette did offensively. They can win without Howard having a big game, but when this guy is on fire, they’re nearly unbeatable especially with their improved defense. I think we saw the potential of Marquette in this game.

Silver Star: Sacar Anim – The sidekick to Howard as Anim has 16 points. He was the only other Marquette player in double-figures on Saturday. This was encouraging to see from Anim. Marquette desperately needed some scoring assistance from their wing players. They’ve got nothing from Anim, Jamal Cain and Brendan Bailey to start the year, and Anim finally bucked that trend. He’s fearless and showed it with some great takes to the tin on Saturday.

Positive: Dean Wade was a ghost – Marquette did a great job of taking away Kansas State’s best player. Dean Wade is a potential Big 12 Player of the Year candidate, and the Golden Eagles made him look like mincemeat. He fouled out midway through the second half. Granted, the tight officiating had something to do with it, but Marquette found ways to attack Wade. That’s a positive development in my book.

Negative: C’mon officials – Apparently, the zebras in this game thought everyone paid to see them. What a dreadful game called by Jamie Luckie and Jeff Anderson along with their other stooge. Anderson and Luckie are two of the worst officials in college basketball. Pair them together, and it’s like combining tequila with vodka. Refs called 53 fucking fouls in this game.

Next up: Marquette stays home to play UTEP on Tuesday night. Golden Eagles should have their way with the Miners. They cannot lookahead to Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon.

Charlie.