Sam Hauser is becoming a top tier player in college basketball. Hauser followed up a 31 point performance against Georgetown with a dominating 25 point effort against Providence. In his last two games, Hauser has 56 points which provides Marquette with another option than Markus Howard. For a few games this season, Hauser was in a slump, and that is dead and buried. He helped Marquette win their fifth straight game beating Providence, 79-68, in an impressive victory for the Golden Eagles.

Player of the Game: Sam Hauser – I’ve already gushed about Sammy Splash, but I’m going to keep doing it here. He had four threes in this game and showed an amazing amount of energy in the second half. Hauser played a huge part in bringing this team back from the dead. There is a no fear mode that developed in Hauser over the last part two games, and I love it. Howard and Hauser are a lethal combination, and this run of Hauser should scare the shit out of the rest of the Big East.

Silver Star: Markus Howard – Yes, Howard did not have a great day from the field. He only made four baskets out of his 15 attempts with two threes. There were still some signs of his back being a bit bulky. Howard did make 14 free throws tough. That’s a major thing for Marquette. Howard getting to line 16 times as an amazing free throw shooter plus his ability to shoot like a phenom is such a great asset for the Golden Eagles.

Thing I liked: Joey Hauser and the supporting cast – Joey Hauser deserves some credit for how Marquette came back in this game. He had eleven points and hit a huge three to put a dagger in Providence. Ed Morrow did a great job breaking the zone multiple times in the low post. Same goes for Sacar Anim who had some moments and helped soften the zone.

Thing I didn’t like: Slippery hands – Did Marquette lube up their hands before the game? I cannot remember a time where Marquette was so haphazardly with the ball. When the Golden Eagles had 20 plus turnovers against Seton Hall, they were fucking up on offense and being careless. On Sunday, they only had 10 turnovers, but they gave up so many second and third chances to Providence due to mishandling the ball.

Next up: Marquette welcomes DePaul to the Fiserv Forum. Blue Demons have been known to give MU some trouble over the past couple years. They’re not as bad as they’ve been in the last few years. They’re 3-3 in conference with road wins against Seton Hall and St. John’s. If the Blue Demons want to put themselves in the bubble conversation, they need to beat Marquette. That’s a scary thought. But their defense is hot trash giving up at least 70 points in every Big East game.

Charlie.