Marquette Golden Eagles came into 2018-2019 with a ton of promise. This team had a deep roster with talented freshman. Things were supposed to be on the up and up for this program. Things looked good for a second. Marquette found themselves ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since 2013 to start the week. It all went to shit pretty soon thereafter. Golden Eagles laid a massive egg against Indiana getting blown out 96-73 as the Hoosiers dominate offensively, and Marquette turns in one of their worst defensive performances of all-time. For those who hoped head coach Steve Wojciechowski fixed the defense, that seems like a pipe dream.

Player of the Game: Evan Fitzner – Sure, Romeo Langford had 22 points, but Fitzner dominated off the bench. The senior transfer for St. Mary’s had a ballgame with 16 bench points with four made threes. Fitzner helped Indiana extend their lead on multiple occasions. Marquette had no answer for 6’10 big man who stepped outside to rain threes. Indiana shot 45 percent from deep, and Fitzner led the way in that category.

Silver Star: Joey Hauser – When we’ll the #FreeJoeyHauser hashtag start? He is sort of free playing top tier minutes in the game, but the argument should be made that he’s a starter on this team. Hauser had a great game, amid, all of the bullshit that happened with this game defensively. It’s good to see Joey is off to a fast start as a freshman. With how slow the Golden Eagles started yesterday, you wonder if Wojciechowski will make the move to insert Joey into the lineup.

Positive: The offense was still there – Even though the defense played like absolute trash, Marquette still played well offensively. I know that’s hard to believe with a 23-point deficit, but they did what they could. It’s hard to score every single time you touch the basketball because the defense is sieve. I will say more is needed from certain contributors like Brendan Bailey, Sacar Amin and Joseph Chartouny.

Negative: Do I even have to say it? – Okay, what the hell, guys. Did Marquette get punched in the mouth and have zero idea how to react? At some point in Wojciechowski’s career, shouldn’t Marquette actually dig their heels in and not get steamrolled by their opponent. It was pathetic to watch Marquette come out this flat and leaves zero luster for the team moving forward in the non-conference. For what seems like the fifth consecutive year, Marquette is a ‘yeah but’ team. Their defense is again a serious problem.

Next up: Marquette does get a get-right spot against the mighty Blue Hose of Presbyterian this Saturday. Golden Eagles should have zero issue with them. After that, they head to New York to play Kansas and well, I suggest you’re drunk for the game.

Charlie.