Marquette Golden Eagles were trying to follow up their big win against Creighton with an equally big win against Seton Hall. While the Pirates are missing Myles Powell from this year’s team, they still have an NCAA Tournament team. After all the torment Hall provided Marquette in the last couple of years, the hope would be to pay them back. This will have to wait. Seton Hall won 70-63 as Marquette falls to 1-1 in conference play. Golden Eagles also could not replicate the success of Monday night. Many seem to have hit their breaking point with the program.

What went wrong? – Marquette’s defense continues to fall off: After a hot start, the defense is not at the levels where Marquette needs it to be for success. Hall did not have a hard time getting to the basket or making it from deep. Sandro Mamukelashvili was excellent in this game. He killed Marquette last season, and they did not have an answer for him in this one. Was the Golden Eagles’ defensive start a fraudulent one? We’ll see. It’s trending that way but still time for us to find that answer.

What went right – DJ Carton is the late-game alpha dog: Look, there were a ton of things that did not go Marquette’s way in this one. Bu D.J. Carton being a complete stud down the stretch is one that did. Carton made 10 straight points including a big three that inexplicably tied up the game at 61. He balled out in this one late. And after wondering who would be the guy that Marquette would rely on late in the games, the answer is clear

Player of the Game: Sandro Mamukelashvili – Marquette not having a game plan for him feels odds. They have guys that can match up with him more than they did last year. Yet Mamu as he’s called by some tore it up against Marquette. They need to utilize their rotation of big men better and keep throwing stuff at him until something sticks.

Honorable Mention: D.J. Carton – Carton’s efforts were mentioned above, but credit to him for being the alpha dog on this team. He is a joy to watch.

Next up: Marquette gets set to play Xavier on Sunday afternoon. This is their first game against a team that had to pause for COVID-19. Xavier rolled in the non-conference with seven wins including ones against Oklahoma and Cincinnati. These squads seem pretty even so expect a barnburner.

Charlie.