It’s hard to write about what happened last night. Marquette Golden Eagles got exactly what they needed before the five minute mark of the second half. They were winning by nine points with 4:55 left. If the Golden Eagles play two more good minutes of strong basketball, they likely win this game. Instead, Seton Hall starts going on a run that they never finished because the buzzer went off for the final horn. Pirates finished on an 18-0 run resulting in Marquette’s third straight loss, and one that makes many people search for answers. This team reverted back to what they were the last two years. If Marquette thought Sunday’s meltdown was rock bottom, this meltdown took the fucking cake.

Player of the Game: Sam Hauser – Unlike the Creighton game, Marquette did have some guys contribute throughout the game. Sam Hauser was one of the them. He had 25 points and nine rebounds to lead the team. Hauser felt it at certain points of the game and helped Marquette stay around the six to 10 range for most of the second half. He did a great job defensively as well. It’s too bad he finished so poorly because his stat line looks out of wack despite really playing a good basketball game.

Silver Star: Ed Morrow – Even though the box score might not say it, Ed Morrow had a great game. He continues to be a force in the paint. I love the aggressiveness that he shows on a regular basis. Morrow finished with eight points, four rebounds and three steals. I love Theo John and think he’s a vital aspect to the team yet I almost feel more comfortable with Morrow on the floor. He loves to attack the rim and finishes better than most on the team.

Thing I Liked: Point Sacar – Look for this to be a thing come Saturday. Sacar Anim ran the point for the final 10 to 15 minutes of the game. Markus Howard was out with foul trouble. Anim did a great job after a bit of a rocky start. He found more people facilitating the basketball, and he did not look for his shot at all. Given the need of a shakeup after another meltdown, Anim playing point guard to start the game makes some sense.

Thing I didn’t like: What happened to late game success? – Before the debacle at Villanova, Marquette was actually pretty good in late game scenarios. So what the hell happened? Did the Villanova loss affect their mental fortitude because a team actually beat them down the stretch instead of wilting? Like what happened to this team? Can they get it back? I think they need to lighten up and just play basketball. Easier said than done, but they’re going to be in these situations again before the season ends for Marquette.

Next up: Golden Eagles head home for Senior Night on Saturday to play Georgetown. For a second there, it looked like the Hoyas were going to join the bubble conversation. Then they were smacked by DePaul last night on the road, and they haven’t been good of late. Their defense has been atrocious. I don’t know if this is exactly a ‘get-right’ spot for Marquette, but they need to come out loose. Just play ball and try to win the final game of the season.

Charlie.