Xavier vs Marquette: Nail-Biting Tournament Opener

0:00On March 11th, the Xavier Musketeers are taking on the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first round of the Big E's tournament for the second year in A. Ro, this matchup kicks off Wednesday, March 11th at 6.30pm at Madison Square Garden. Both teams enter as double-digit C's with slim NCAA tournament hopes, needing a deep run over the next four days just to get noticed on selection, Sunday. Last season, Marquette pulled off a late comeback to win by two in the quarterfinals, but both squads still made the big dance. They split their regular season games this year, with each defending home court and high-scoring affairs. Marquette ranks higher at number 84 in Kenpom, while Xavier sits at number 97, and the Golden Eagles are three and a half points, favorites. Fans are buzzing about Marquette's stingy defense, ranked 10th nationally since February, especially against Xavier's leaky back court that gives up. 80 points a game, Xavier coach Richard Patino called out his team's guarding issues after

1:01their latest loss. Key players like Xavier's Trey Carroll, back from injury, and Marquette's freshman star Nigel James Jr. could swing things. Right now, the game's a nail-biter in the first half, tied at 36 with just over three minutes left. Xavier jumped out hot, shooting well from DeBurley, but Marquette clawed back with an 8-0 run. Meanwhile, number nine, Providence upset number eight, Butler 91-81 to open the tournament. Marquette's playing their best ball late in the season, and experts predict they'll hold on for an 85-80 win. Keep an eye on these underdogs in New York as they fight for a spark heading into March